Renaming and fare increase; KSRTC city circular e-bus deceives commuters

Thiruvananthapuram: Amidst the looming election frenzy, KSRTC has cut down its city circular e-bus services and has also implemented fare increase by rebranding the services. These city circular buses used to be the sole option for locals to reach major junctions from smaller roads and remote places.

As the services were disrupted, protests intensified. The major demands of the people are to restore the city circular services and withdraw the fare hike. 

These city circular buses were previously the primary mode of transportation for locals to access major junctions from remote areas.

Rs 10 guarantee

City circular buses had provided transportation cost of Rs 10, instead of Rs 60 or Rs 70 often charged by autorickshaws. Passengers board electric buses with this expectation in mind. However, upon boarding and presenting a Rs 10 note, they find that the service now operates as a fast bus with point-to-point destinations. They will have to pay the full fare.

These alterations were implemented without clear instructions or orders. The one-day travel ticket for Rs 30 has also been discontinued.

Reforms come with renaming

Minister for Transport K B Ganesh Kumar openly opposed electric buses upon assuming office. However, actions against these buses ceased when the CPM intervened. According to the public, KSRTC is allegedly attempting to undermine circular services indirectly by rebranding and converting the buses to fast services.

Extended waiting periods

As a few buses were withdrawn from eight circles with the intention to convert the buses to fast services, the interval between buses have increased. Regular commuters in areas where there are no other bus services are unable to rely on city circular buses any more. Buses not arriving on time and trip cancellations have created a lot of trouble. 

Inoperative Apps

Chalo App which provides information regarding bus schedules and real time information is inefficient. 

More number of buses 

City circular services, which commenced in April 2023, has 110 buses and 80,000 passengers use the service per day. Among these, 60 buses were provided by the corporation as part of the Smart City Programme. Moreover, 20 new buses and 2 double-decker buses have been introduced. Also, 53 more buses are to be introduced. The newly introduced buses are running as point-to-point services with altered rates.

Passengers demand that the corporation authorities should take action to prevent the sabotage, in the name of reforms, of the popular project implemented with corporation funds. Vehicles are increasing on the road day by day. Passengers also advocate that the use of private vehicles, including bikes, should be reduced by providing a low-cost public transport system.