BRTS begins drawing passengers enormously

Charanjit Singh Teja

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 6

After getting a lukewarm response initially, the metro bus service has started recording an increase in the number of passengers. Officials say the overwhelming response they have started getting from passengers is more than their expectation.

The ridership of metro buses was recorded 41,000 on Monday. On the first day, it was only 7,600. It has been learnt that buses are overcrowded from Khalsa College to the BRTS. Observing overwhelming response, Chief Managing Director (CMD) Inderjit Singh Chawla said they had to strengthen the arrangements for the convenience of passengers.

According to the official data, the metro bus witnessed a maximum footfall at the Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) from where 3,000-3,500 passengers board the buses daily. The railway station stoppage ranks second in terms of number of passengers. The buses witness significant footfall from Khalsa College station and Verka Railway station stoppages.

The route from the ISBT to Golden Gate does not attract much passengers. “The footfall of passengers is satisfactory. The ridership of 41,000 persons in a day is beyond our expectation. We are looking for good revenue possibilities. Apart from tickets, BRTS plans to earn revenue by selling ad space on buses, stations and grills,” said Inderjit Singh Chawla, CMD, BRTS.

Officials said they were making efforts to increase the frequency of buses.

Station names to be changed

After The Tribune highlighted the use of inappropriate names in the buses, the authorities concerned have decided to change the names. “We will use the popular names of the stations. Instructions have been issued,” he added.