The city bus service commenced from Sunday under new formula will charge fare on the basis of distance covered by the passengers. It is like the process of fare applicable for diesel autos running within city. Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) in collaboration with M/s Kishore Mantri Travels, the new operator for bus service, has fixed different rates as per distance.
“For zero to five kilometers the fare is Rs 5. Similarly, for five to twelve kilometers passenger will have to pay Rs 10. If it is between 15 to 18 kilometers, we will charge Rs 15 and for 18 to 25 kms the fare is fixed at Rs 20,” said Kishore Mantri, owner of the firm. Mayor Asha lakra confirmed about the approval of the fare. As many as 10 city buses which were earlier run by Jharkhand Tourist Development Corporation (JTDC) were renovated and flagged off to ply on the city roads today covering stoppages from Dhurwa to ITI bus stand, passing through Birsa Chowk, Hinoo, Sujata Chowk, Bahubazaar, Kantatoli, lalpur, Kutchery Chowk and Piska More. The service is available from 7 am to 7 pm. 50 percent of the bus seats are reserved for ladies besides one separate seat for ward councilor, legislator and disabled person.
Mantri said in the coming 10 days, 30 more city buses would be pressed into service in the city. The routes of these soon-to-be started buses are yet to be finalised by the RMC. Mantri has requested Traffic Police and RMC to include Albert Ekka Chowk, Dr Camil Bulcke Path (Purulia Road), Ranchi and Hatia Railway stations in the new routes for the convenience of passengers. Also, he has asked for a proper shelter at Dhurwa where the buses can be kept safely. Presently, the buses are kept in a rental space at Kamre. The Mayor said she will hold a meeting with representatives of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) possibly on May 5 for marking a depot for the buses.
As of now, Mantri is looking forward to get the fitness certificate, tax papers and insurance of the 10 running city buses. “Previously, JTDC had ignored these three documents required in a city bus. We will get it done within this week,” he said. Mantri has hired drivers and conductors who were associated with bus services under JTDC. “Each driver and conductor is experienced. We are paying them Rs 225 per day,” said Mantri.
In order to involve newcomers with the service, Mantri is mulling to launch three months course for non-matriculation people who would be trained as cleaners and similar course for graduates as conductors at free of cost. Meanwhile, Urban Development Minister CP Singh who underwent a bypass heart surgery in New Delhi last month and is currently on medical leave congratulated Mantri for beginning the city bus service on Sunday.