MIA to Kasaragod Volvo bus service planned

Mangaluru: The KSRTC Mangaluru division, which launched three Volvo low-floor air-conditioned buses to Mangaluru International Airport (MIA), from Mangaluru Central Railway Station and Manipal on Tuesday, is now planning a direct bus service to MIA, from Kasaragod.
Rajesh Shetty, divisional controller, KSRTC, Mangaluru, said that the division is planning for an inter-state Volvo bus service, from Kasaragod to MIA. A similar bus service was operational from Hampankatta or State Bank of India to Kasaragod, but was withdrawn some years ago. “We may launch a direct MIA-Kasaragod bus service. If it is not possible, Volvo buses may operate till Hampankatta, with the existing permit, after which, another bus can be taken to MIA. There is a good demand for the Kasaragod-MIA service, and there are a lot of fliers, as well as normal passengers arriving in the city. The process is on to obtain the necessary permits,” Shetty said.
The new service is affordable for many fliers. Shetty said that a lot of students from Manipal travel to the airport, by hiring a taxi. It costs them around Rs 1,800.
However, now they can travel to Manipal or from the airport, for Rs 300. At the moment, the cabs from MIA charge about Rs 600 for a drop. The Mangaluru city to MIA bus ticket fare is Rs 100. “I often fly to Bengaluru, and return on the same day. I travel to MIA in my car, park it, and drive back after returning from Bengaluru. Now I will opt for the bus service,” said an entrepreneur.
KSRTC Mangaluru has been mulling over reducing ticket fares. “The current ticket fare is an introductory rate. There is a plan to reduce it in the coming days,” said Shetty.
MP Nalin Kumar Kateel launched the airport bus service, along with MLAs D Vedavyas Kamath, Bharath Y Shetty and Umanath Kotian. “There was a demand from the public for the service, and the same has been met,” said Kateel.