NWKRTC staff to operate BRTS buses

Hubballi: With the Hubballi-Dharwad BRTS Co Ltd making strident efforts for the officially launch of its services from November 1, questions swirled over who would manage and operate BRTS buses once it is launched. The big question was, would BRTS function as a separate entity on the lines of BMTC by recruiting dedicated staff, or will it rope in the services of NWKRTC staff to operate its buses?
That double-barreled question appears to have been answered with BRTS deciding to rope in NWKRTC staff — both drivers and conductors.

Basavaraj Keri, deputy general manager, BRTS, Hubballi-Dharwad, told TOI on Tuesday, “We have decided to utilize the services of NWKRTC drivers and conductors who are currently operating buses between Hubballi and Dharwad. Gradually, the service of NWKRTC buses will ease to encourage people to use BRTS buses to travel between Hubballi and Dharwad.”

NWKRTC staffs were roped in to operate three ‘Chigari’ buses — it was later increased to 10 — when BRTS began trial runs. But the question of whether it would become a separate entity like BMTC remained.

Now that it has been answered, sources said NKWRTC, which plies 110 buses between Hubballi and Dharwad, will gradually decrease the number of services once BRTS is officially launched in the twin cities. BRTS is planning to operate 130 buses between Hubballi and Dharwad on a regular basis. For smooth operation of BRTS services, drivers and conductors who are now operating NWKRTC buses between the two cities will be utilized.

Sources say there is a requirement of at least 600 staff, including security personnel, to maintain BRTS stops and its properties. More than 280 drivers and conductors of NWKRTC will be utilized for BRTS buses, while some staff will be deployed to issue tickets across its 32 stops. They will work in shifts.

Panel on new entity for BRTS

The government has set the high-powered committee, headed by the transport secretary, a 90-day deadline to submit a report on creating a separate corporation or entity for BRTS like BMTC. We will now utilize the services of NWKRTC staff to operate BRTS buses. If we need additional staff, we will recruit fresh candidates

Rajendra Cholan | managing director, BRTS