The city buses started in the State Capital in 2017 to improve the status of urban public transportation service are in a shambles. The reason: the civic body is yet to rope in a competent agency for its operation and maintenance (O&M). Ironically, even after floating nine tenders and constant efforts of Municipal Corporation by easing the agreement clauses, no agency has turned up for taking the project forward.
At present, out of 91 city buses, merely 20 buses purchased recently from TATA Motors are plying on the defined routes. “The city buses are being run on daily wage basis to avert the loss incurred in the past. Rs 601 is collected from the drivers on a per day basis. Over 25 old city buses (Swaraj Mazda) is also being run on some routes under the supervision of KMT Agency owned by Kishore Mantri.
Attempts are being made to streamline its service,” said, RMC City Manager (Transportation Cell), Saurabh Kumar.