JNNURM buses rake in the moolah,
By Aafaque Haider Hussain
SHILLONG: The recently-launched JNNURM buses have not only proved to be a boon to the commuters of the city and outskirts but also helping the Shillong Public Transport Service (SPTS) to generate huge revenue.
The buses have generated a total revenue of Rs 2,97,674 within five days of being operationalised in the city on July 22.
The total revenue generated on the inaugural day (Friday) was Rs 26,746, while the revenue collection jumped to Rs 63,860 on Saturday. Sunday’s total earnings was Rs 48,741.
The total revenue collection for Tuesday and Wednesday were Rs 73,376 Rs 84,951 respectively.
The revenue is further expected to double once the remaining buses are pressed into services, the AGM (operations) of Meghalaya Transport Corporation, Anthony Pariat, said.
Reacting to allegations that some conductors do not issue tickets to the passengers of the buses, the official said, “We are continuously briefing the conductors and drivers and we even ask them to declare their monetary assets everyday in the morning when they report for duty.”
It may be mentioned that total of 40 drivers and 41 conductors are currently operating the JNNURM buses.
“We have to install CCTV cameras and even the GPS tracking of the buses has to be enabled quickly in order to get the remaining buses,” S Sangma, Depot Manager, Shillong Public Transport Service, said while speaking to this scribe.
In order to streamline the functioning of the buses, the MTC is likely to approach the State Traffic police to expand the services of volunteers of Project Shillong to important junctions of the city.
The buses presently are operating in 12 routes of the city which includes Mawblei, NEIGRIHMS, Lumparing, Lawsohtun, Umpling, NEHU, Nongrah and Mawryngkneng.