Officials keen on operating non-AC buses on BRTS lane

Hubballi: While other BRTS services in the country are completely shut down, Hubballi-Dharwad Bus Rapid Transport System (HD BRTS) is expected to resume its service in the next three-four days. However, officials are confused over whether they should run AC or Non-AC buses.
The one thing they are clear about is even if they run non-AC buses, they can’t reduce the fair. So, passengers will have to pay AC fare even for non-AC services.
A BRTS official told TOI that as there is a fear over the usage of air conditioners all over the world and passengers are also expected to refuse to use AC buses in coming days. “Keeping it in the mind, there was a discussion over the removal of ACs from 40 buses on a pilot basis. However, there was no mention of reducing fare if non-AC buses are operated,” he added.
HR Vastrad, a frequent BRTS passenger said as many researches have proved that the possibility of spreading coronavirus is more in closed structures, it is a welcome move if BRTS operates non-AC buses.
When bus fares were hiked in the state last February, BRTS had hiked the fare from Hubballi old bus stand to Dharwad old bus stand to Rs 27 while NWKRTC buses were ferrying passengers at Rs 22 on the same route.
When contacted, HDBRTC managing director Rajendra Cholan said a communication with Volvo is on over removal of ACs from the Chigari buses to meet the guidelines of the Union government. “Volvo officials have said there is no need of structural change and buses can be run by opening the emergency door. Meanwhile, health department recently issued an order allowing AC buses. We had formed an expert committee involving Volvo and people from the health sector to conduct a trial at our depots. However, we are open for both options and ready to run buses as per government guidelines,” he said.
When asked about the fare, he said, running AC or non-AC buses does not matter on the cost of operations. “Maintenance of stations where security guards and other staff are deployed, has a major share in the cost of operation and that remains the same. Moreover, running non-AC buses is a temporary measure to meet Covid-19 guidelines. We will also have to run buses with just 24 seats to maintain social distancing and it enhances cost by 40%. If we reduce the fare in this scenario, we will struggle to buy diesel,” he said.