Northwest Karnataka transport body focuses on revenue by LED screens at bus stands

HUBLI: With eyes on additional revenue, the North-West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) has introduced LED screens and television sets at bus stands and buses so as to be able to display advertisements at a cost, besides also providing entertainment to passengers.
While three LED screens have been installed at the Old bus stand here, about 10 LED televisions have been put up in 10 non-stop buses plying between Hubli and Dharwad.
Through this initiative, the Corporation plans to generate extra revenue and also provide better marketing opportunity for local businesses. However, the Corporation is yet to receive positive response from advertisers, essential partners to generate such revenue.
S V Hulyalkar, Chief Traffic Manager, NWKRTC, said, "There is good response from passengers but the initiative has received poor response from advertisers, only few businesses have come forward to advertise. So far, we are generating only Rs 10,000 per month from ads displayed on 10 TVs in the busses."
Mahantesh Nijaguni, a passenger, said, "It is good that the LED screens are installed in buses. We won't feel bored and at the same time, we get information on the products and businesses, which helps us while shopping."
Another passenger, Shilpa Uppin said that the information she gets through these advertisements are helpful.
A S R Namaji, NWKRTC Division Controller, said: "The initiative is on a pilot basis. Based on the response during the experimentation period we will continue it and extend it to more buses subject to permission from our managing director."
The latest initiative, in line with the FM radio service on Vajra buses, is also aimed at beating competition from private buses operators, he added.