In an effort to enhance public transportation and address the growing demand for convenient commuting options, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah flagged off 100 non-AC Ashwamedha Classic buses in a grand ceremony held at the Vidhana Soudha. These buses are part of a larger fleet of 800 Ashwamedha Classic buses set to be deployed by April this year. The introduction of these buses marks a significant step towards improving the state’s public transport infrastructure.
Meeting the Needs of Commuters
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy emphasized that these new buses would serve multiple purposes. They are expected to alleviate the transportation challenges faced by school and college students, who often struggle with limited options for their daily commute. Additionally, the buses are set to cater to the increasing demand for religious trips, especially in light of the Shakti Scheme, which offers free travel for women.
Point-to-Point Transport Service
The Ashwamedha Classic buses offer a “point-to-point transport service” connecting various locations, including Mysore, Hassan, Dharmasthala, and Bengaluru. These 52-seater buses are equipped with several passenger-friendly features, such as two security cameras, a panic button, spacious legroom, mobile battery charging slots, emergency stop buttons, and a center mirror for enhanced safety and convenience.
Expanding the Fleet
Minister Reddy also announced that approximately 5,000 buses will be added to the fleet of all four Road Transport Corporations (RTCs) by the end of April. This expansion aims to cater to the increasing number of passengers, which has risen significantly since the launch of the Shakti Scheme. In recent times, passenger numbers have surged by nearly 25 lakh, reaching a total of 84 lakh.
Addressing Commuter Needs
With the upcoming summer break, schoolchildren and their parents are expected to opt for more outstation trips, further boosting ridership. To meet the increasing demand for services, the transport minister revealed that recruitment processes have been initiated to fill approximately 9,000 vacancies across all four RTCs. This recruitment drive is a significant step to improve the overall efficiency of the transport system.
Continuation of the Shakti Scheme
Minister Reddy assured the public that there are no plans to discontinue the Shakti Scheme, which offers free travel for women. He dismissed rumors that the scheme would be halted after the Lok Sabha elections, reaffirming that the scheme would continue as long as the Congress remains in power. The Shakti Scheme has been highly successful, with over 146 crore women having availed its benefits, a testament to its popularity and importance.
Future Enhancements in Ticketing
Looking ahead, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) plans to float tenders to procure 10,000 new Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs) compatible with various smart cards. These smart cards, including the Shakti Smart card, debit card, and NCMC card, aim to provide passengers with a convenient and efficient ticketing experience. This move reflects the commitment to modernizing the ticketing system and making it more user-friendly for commuters.