By Pooja Bhula
SHILLONG: In an attempt to improve the situation of overcrowding in buses and to reduce people’s dependence on private vehicles and taxis, the Shillong Public Transport Services (SPTS) is introducing 14 new mini buses in Shillong on Saturday.
The routes covered by these buses will be Police Bazar-Laban, Police Bazar-Lawsohtun, Police Bazar-Neigrihms, Police Bazar-Mahnrow and Polo-Rynjah.
“Approximately 15000 passengers travel by bus and 6000 use maxi taxis on a daily basis. With the increase in the number of buses, the waiting period for the buses will reduce and more people will be encouraged to opt for buses,” said B K Panda, Director of Urban Affairs.
By the end of November 22 more mini buses are to be introduced and addition of 20 standard size buses has been planned for December, which means the total fleet of buses by December will be 120.
When asked about whether SPTS has enough infrastructure for parking such a large number of buses, Panda says, “As of now we have 2 depots and 3 terminals and we will be adding 3 more depots.”
“SPTS buses have not stopped plying ever since we introduced them in 2011. Even though MTC is executing the work for SPTS, revenues of both are accounted separately and we are making profits. Between June 2011 and July 2012, SPTS generated a revenue of Rs 2.97 crore, of which Rs 62 lakh have been spent on salaries and about 5- 10% have been kept aside for maintenance and repair of buses”, Panda informed.
In order to the ticketing process easier, SPTS plans to introduce smart cards in three denominations: Rs. 100, Rs. 300 and Rs. 500, and also sell ticket booklets so that at the time of travelling passengers just have to give the ticket to the conductor. “The smart card and tickets will be valid for a limited period of time so that their use is ensured.”
The buses will also have announcements of destination and display and CCTVs to ensure no pick pocketing and miscreants. “Our goal is to give the kind of service that comes as close to the experience of being in a private car, and if it works people will of for buses because of the economy it provides. After all fleets are launched we will also conduct a user survey”, Panda added.