Covid-19: Over 50% dip in passengers on KSRTC’s premium buses

MANGALURU: KSRTC Mangaluru division’s premium segment buses are bearing the brunt of Covid-19 outbreak with drastic reduction in passenger movement, especially on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru, Mangaluru-Mysuru, Mangaluru-Mumbai, Mangaluru-Pune and Mangaluru-Ernakulam routes. The overall occupancy has reduced by more than 50%. Buses on the Kasargod-Mangaluru route, which used to fetch an earning of Rs 3,000 per day are getting only Rs 600.

Aruna SN, divisional controller, Mangaluru division, KSRTC, said: “When compared to the previous year, the revenue has dropped by about 40% in the premium segment. Overall, bookings have reduced. The situation may take some time to return to normalcy. At pilgrimage centres too, the turnout is poor,” he said.

Aruna added that the number of services for the day is decided depending on the public demand. The KSRTC operates 130 premium services including Volvo, Scania, Volvo sleeper, sleeper and others.

On the precautions taken by the KSRTC, Aruna said buses are sanitised and masks are distributed among the crew. “It is up to the individuals to wear masks. All employees have been provided with handbills on measures to be taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Awareness messages through the public address system are made at the bus stand regularly. Health officials are also addressing the staff,” he said.

After the government’s decision to shut educational institutions, several outstation students were spotted at the bus stand on Saturday awaiting their journey home. Apart from coronavirus, examination time is also impacting occupancy rate on buses.

Last year, the KSRTC incurred losses due to landslides at Shiradi Ghat on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru route and closure of the stretch

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