Poor maintenance sounds death knell for 38 SPTS buses

SHILLONG: In an indication that the SPTS buses were poorly maintained, 38 out of 120 old JNNURM buses, which were sanctioned to the State by the Centre a few years back, are “beyond economical repair”.
Documents revealed that out of the 120 old buses, 79 are on road while three are off road and under repair. In addition, 38 buses are off the road and beyond repair.
It has been learnt that the process of auctioning of the irreparable buses will start in a months’ time.
The buses are being run by four operators– Synroplang Self Help Group, L Nonglait Travels, Laikyrsoi Society and SJ Enterprise.
The operators were engaged through a tendering process in November 2014 at the highest quoted rate of Rs 570 per bus per day for 28 designated routes. The old fleet of buses was plying on 28 designated routes in Greater Shillong Planning Area and four routes outside Shillong
Now the buses are operating in 32 new routes in the city.