KSRTC admits lack of study on single duty system

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has acknowledged in a recent RTI response that no study or review has been conducted on the effectiveness of the single duty system implemented to enhance bus productivity. 

The system, inspired by Karnataka's model and based on the Susheel Khanna report, was introduced to optimise bus schedules according to passenger demand. However, its success has not been evaluated. 

The single duty system adjusts employee ratios based on passenger rush, aiming to maximise the use of available buses. Despite opposition, the system was introduced at the Parassala depot but quickly faltered due to laxity from officials and union interventions. 

Requests from employees to assess the system's shortcomings were ignored, and alternative duty systems were adopted without proper review. Monthly discussions between officials and union leaders regarding duty matters have not led to significant improvements, and progress on the requested duty roster remains stalled. 

KSRTC has been criticised for its reluctance to release review reports on the system, with officials claiming ongoing discussions with unions but failing to provide records. The lack of transparency and the system's apparent failure have raised concerns about its efficacy and the KSRTC's commitment to evaluating its impact.