KSRTC launches fifty �Thirukochi\' city buses

KOCHI: Fifty �Thirukochi series city buses of the KSRTC were flagged off in the city on Friday by Transport Minister Jose Thettayil.

They would begin service from Saturday. While 32 of them would operate from the RTCs Ernakulam depot, 18 would be based at the Aluva depot. Thus, there would be a Thirukochi bus in the Ernakulam-Aluva route every 10 minutes and every 30 minutes in select other routes.

Mr Thettayil said that the RTC city buses are being introduced following public outcry over frequent private bus strikes and complaints of high-handedness by private-bus crew. �The media too has for many years been demanding the introduction of RTC services in Kochi. Referring to the RTC being unable to operate 20 buses from the city to the Goshree islands and back, he said that this is because of the delay caused by a section of private-bus owners challenging the introduction of these services before the High Court.

Mayor Mercy Williams called upon members of the public to utilize the new city buses, so that there is less number of two-wheelers and cars on the roads. �These services would boost public transport in Kochi since the private buses in service are overcrowded.�