The city bus services of Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) is unlikely to start in the coming days as the corporation is undecided whether the resumption of bus service will be a wise decision in the wake of Covid-19 spreading unchecked.
All 91 buses owned by RMC are out of the road right after nationwide lockdown was imposed to stop the spread of Covid-19 virus.
After over five months of strict lockdown the state government partially allowed movement of buses when the government allowed intrastate bus service.
But the RMC decided not to start bus service which is the lifeline of the city.
“Officially, no decision has been taken regarding resumption of bus service. But RMC had indeed discussed as to when and how to start the bus service. The concerned file was sent to Ranchi mayor Asha Lakra but in the meantime she fell ill and till she recovers no decision can be taken on this matter. But chances are dim for early resumption of bus service. We can’t take any decision in a hurry,” said RMC deputy mayor Sanjeev Vijayvargia.
RMC hires drivers for the bus service on the basis of certain payment. However, city bus service is not the major source of revenue for RMC but it is a preferred mode of transportation within the city limit by people.
Sources in the RMC said that the fare chart will have to be revised since the operational cost of the bus is going to increase.
“Now under the new rule a bus can carry passengers only half of the total seats of a bus. Some structural changes will be required inside the bus. In the emerging situation operating buses is not a normal affair. Now a lot of does and don'ts are involved. Like regular sanitization of seats, gate and handlebar, testing of passengers with infrared thermometer. These things require a lot of preparation,” said an official of RMC.