BRTS awaits MHA guideline to resume service

Hubballi: South India’s first bus rapid transit system, Hubballi-Dharwad Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) has suffered a loss of Rs 4.50 crore till date due to lockdown.
Even if the district, which is now in orange zone, comes into green zone, it unlikely that BRTS will resume service any time soon. Since the coaches of HDBRTS are air-conditioned, the MHA needs to give special advisory to run the premium buses, said officials. Now, after the easing of lockdown, the life is limping back to normalcy in twin cities and many are now travelling between Hubballi and Dharwad but the absence of transport facility, mainly BRTS service, has left many commuters in trouble.
Rajendra Cholan managing director of NWKRTC, told TOI that they are eager to start the operation of buses. “ It all depends on the guidelines of MHA. We are eager to start the BRTS service once we get go-ahead. The service will begin though buses have to run to half the capacity to maintain social distance between passengers. We are making losses and hence have to capture the market. Also, we have to take into account depreciation of vehicles. We are paying salary to the security guards and other staff. Keeping buses idle will not make any sense. Running buses means maintaining the steam of activities.”
However, some BRTS officials are of the opinion that running BRTS buses in the present situation only further the losses. So, it is better not to start the premium service. Instead, normal buses can ply between the two cities, they said.