Bus fare hike ruled out, economy steps taken

By Our Staff Reporter

KARIMNAGAR, SEPT. 29. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Ram Pratap Singh, has ruled out any possible hike in the bus fares even if the price of oil goes up in the near future.

In an informal chat with newsmen here on Saturday, the Managing Director said that the corporation was striving hard to reduce losses by taking several measures such as reduction in the fuel consumption in RTC buses and others and laying emphasis on providing quality service to commuters by following punctuality and bringing attitudinal change in the staff.

To a question about privatisation of the RTC, he said that there was no such proposal either with the corporation or the State Government. ``There is no scope for privatisation of RTC,'' he pointed out.

In order to improve kilometre per litre (KMPL), Mr. Singh said that they had appointed safety inspectors at all depots, who would strive to improve KMPL as well as check the condition of buses for improved efficiency.

He said every month they were rewarding two drivers and conductors in each depot for best KMPL and EPK. On the illegal operations by the private vehicles, he said that the Transport Department and the police were jointly conducting a special drive against illegal operators in all districts in a phased manner.

Asked why the RTC was hiring buses from private parties, he clarified that if private buses were hired the RTC did not require any capital and the employee cost was also less.

In order to attract commuters to the RTC, they were introducing special tourist package as well for school children.

He said the special tourist package would be introduced for Sabarimala pilgrims initially and later extend to all pilgrim centres.

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