High fare keeps public away from BRTS buses

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 22

Although the ruling dispensation inaugurated the bus rapid transit system (BRTS) project a few days before the implementation of code of conduct keeping in view the upcoming Assembly elections, it failed to attract passengers. The government had inaugurated the incomplete project, which is not economically viable for commuters.

In its first phase, the BRTS Managing Company started six buses from railway station to India Gate (Attari Road).

A majority of passengers go to bus stand from various locations, but the BRTS facilitates them only up to the railway station. A person has to spend Rs 10 to reach bus stand from the railway station.

Contrary to the BRTS, auto-rickshaws charge Rs 10 from bus stand to India Gate. Initially, the company had offered free ride for the first 10 days. A large number of passengers, including school students, enjoyed the facility free of cost. When the company started charging fare the number of passengers declined sharply.

Now, only a few passengers choose the BRTS to reach their destination. According to company officials, they were not recovering expenses even after charging Rs 15 for a ride.

A bus under BRTS project comes to a stop after 10 to 15 minutes, where as auto-rickshaws are available every minute. Passengers can board and alight from auto-rickshaw anywhere, but BRTS has designated stands. People have to hire rickshaw or walk to reach a stop.

Moreover, one can hire auto-rickshaw from a road side. To hop on the BRTS passengers have to cross one side of the busy stretch as bus stoppages are in mid of the road.

“The project was incomplete, but Sukhbir Badal was in a hurry to inaugurate it before elections. It is sheer wastage of public money as the project is not viable for the common man. Passengers still prefer auto-rickshaw to the BRTS due to high fare,” said Jatinderpal Singh.

BRTS manager Ashwani Narang said, “The fare is more than what auto-rickshaws charge. So, passengers are not showing interest. Company will lower the charges soon. Buses will also start plying on some other routes in the city.”