Metro on way but city bus parked: BCLL bets on e-buses to bridge gap
However, BCLL's effectiveness hinges on the arrival of 100 electric buses to adequately meet passenger requirements.
The anticipated deployment of electric buses via the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme offers a prospective resolution to address this challenge in the transportation network.
BCLL CEO Anju Arun Kumar explained the issue with the BCLL bus service stemmed from a disagreement with an existing operator. While efforts are underway to resolve it, the matter had gone into litigation.
In the meantime, the city has received approval for around 100 electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme. These are expected to start arriving by the end of the year. Alongside this, work is also in progress to develop the required charging infrastructure.
Routes Await Ridership
There are about 80 diesel buses and around 77 CNG buses which are on road. 149 buses are parked stationery under litigation. Regarding the emphasis on metro routes, concerns arise about bus connectivity to various areas of the state capital.
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Sources indicate that due to the net cost model, certain operators have withdrawn services from routes that weren't financially viable.
"If ridership picks up, service can resume on those routes," said Kumar. She mentioned that work is in progress to optimise bus routes, with required approvals being pursued from the regional transport office for implementing these route modifications. Most of the existing operators are still functioning, and there haven't been major problems with them.
The number of buses on the road is above 100. Routes became slightly less profitable due to reduced ridership, which led to fewer buses operating on certain routes, she added. BCLL which is wholly owned subsidiary BMC, anticipates it will be first city off the block to start e-bus service. It is expected to receive first lot of electric buses before the year concludes.
The administration has initiated tenders for charging facilities and depots, implementing the gross cost contract framework. The central administration will finance charging equipment entirely, while depot construction costs are shared between central and state authorities. BCLL has also proposed enhanced intracity transport connections to alleviate urban route congestion.
Mayor Pass In Limbo
BCLL and BMC are yet to decide whether mayor pass, a subsidised travel card to ensure affordable transport for students and economically disadvantaged passengers, will be part of e-bus service.
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