10 new non-AC low-floor buses to be introduced next week

KOCHI: Minister for Transport Jose Thettayil said here on Monday that 10 new low-floor, non-AC buses would be introduced next week on the Aroor, Angamaly, Fort Kochi, Perumbavoor and Kakkanad segments.

There will two buses each in the Puthenkurisu, Angamaly and Perumbavoor segment and two each in the Kakkanad and Aroor segments.

The new services are being introduced because of the encouraging results from the recent introduction of 50 Thiru Kochi services, the Minister said as he pointed out that these services were soon expected to break even. He said that the Onam season rush was expected to do the trick for KSRTC.

The festival season will also see the introduction of more frequent trips by KSRTC buses in the city and its neighbouring areas to ease commuters problems, the Minister said.

The recently-introduced Thiru Kochi services were not against anyone or aimed at hurting anyone, said the Minister when it was pointed out to him that some private bus operators had taken umbrage at the introduction of the new services. Thiru Kochi services are aimed at easing the difficulties faced by the commuters in and around the city, he said. There was no immediate consideration to increase the number of Thiru Kochi buses because various KSRTC depots were congested at present. The Aluva bus depot is congested with buses based in Angamaly depot being parked there.

Inauguration of the new bus stand complex in Angamaly will solve the problem to an extent.