Thirukochi buses begin service

KOCHI: It was a wish come true for many a passenger as they boarded the Kerala State Road Transport Corporations �Thirukochi city buses which began service along 18 routes on Saturday.

The 50 white buses with blue stripes were a pleasant break for many commuters. However, some passengers did not board the new buses, mistaking that the fares would be higher.

No difference in fare

�The fare for Thirukochi buses is the same as that for private buses, with Rs.4 being the minimum fare. Contrary to the belief of a few passengers, the Thirukochi buses halt at all regular stops on each route, said RTCs Zonal Officer G. Jayaraj.

Unlike most private buses that have tarpaulin or cloth as shutters, the RTC services have rexin shutters that effectively cut off rain water. The income per km has to be Rs.23, for the services to break-even.