The KSRTC will divert 85 superfast buses through the Edapally-Vytilla-Aroor stretch of NH 47, to save on time, fuel and wear-and-tear of the buses.

Passengers will be able to save at least an hour that they now endure through congested routes when the buses pass through the city hub and West Kochi. The regional authorities of the agency had submitted to the head office a list of 46 south-bound and 39 north-bound buses that can be diverted through the highway. This would mean that almost half the number of superfast buses that currently pass through the Ernakulam bus stand would be diverted through the highway. This would also reduce congestion in the city hub, as many of these buses operate two or more daily trips through the city.

Since superfast buses from different RTC units operate trips through Ernakulam, the schedule of each bus would have to be reworked, said an official. Buses which ply shorter distances might even be able to ply an additional trip daily, utilising the time saved on the other trips. On its part, the KSRTC would have to ready a full-fledged station-master office and parking area at Vytilla for the superfast buses that would be diverted.

The diversion will not seriously affect commuters to West Kochi since the RTC’s ordinary, fast passenger and rest of the superfast buses would continue to operate through there. The KSRTC is ready to operate more services if required through the area.

Goshree services : The KSRTC’s plan to operate 20 brand new Venad city service buses from the city to Paravur and Kodungalloor through the Goshree bridges received a recent setback after a section of private bus operators approached the court. Their contention was that the introduction of more buses in the city would worsen traffic congestion.

Though private bus owners had over a year ago approached the court opposing the KSRTC’s 10 services linking Aluva and Thripunithura through the Airport-Seaport Road, the RTC was able to get a favourable ruling. All the services now run on profit.

City services : Despite promises made by the Transport Department, the KSRTC is yet to operate city buses in Kochi using the 50 permits reserved for it. A Motor Vehicles Department official said the RTC can easily run more than 50 city buses, since there is a huge demand for public transport in residential and commercial areas left untouched by private buses.

The corporation’s goodwill increased after it operated 50 additional services in the city during the private bus strike some time ago. The agency used to operate city services in Kochi till over a decade ago. The RTC’s city services will end the monopoly of private buses in the city. Civic agencies must earmark pay-and-park centres on government lands and vacant private lands, so that people can park their vehicles there and commute to the city in buses.  Inadequate public transport in the routes has led to people travelling to the city in cars, autorickshaws and two-wheelers, causing congestion on the roads.