Hisar city bus service resumes after 2-year hiatus, locals relieved
Much to the relief of commuters, the city bus service has been resumed in Hisar after a gap of two years.
The state government has introduced five e-city buses on two designated routes. Three buses ply from the Hisar bus stand to Muklan village and two buses ferry passengers from Hisar to Dabda. Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship Gaurav Gautam had flagged off the services on January 26.
According to information, the Hisar depot would introduce 50 e-city buses, with five already plying in the first phase. The buses ply on their designated routes at an interval of 30 minutes.
The bus fare has been fixed at Rs 10 up to 5 km, with a rise of Rs 5 for every additional 3 km. Unlike earlier, no passenger would be eligible for fare concession, including the government employees and Happy Card beneficiaries.
The authorities aim to provide a seamless, safe and affordable alternative to auto-rickshaws, who had a field day after the city bus service was halted two years ago.
In Phase II, bus service would be extended to Agroha Medical College and the cantonment, addressing significant commuter demand, said an official.
Yograj Sharma, a local, said now they could avail better services at comparatively less price. “Auto-rickshaw drivers often caused jams and used to charge at their will,” he said.
The bus service starts at 7 am and the roadways has deployed 12 conductors. The buses halt at strategic locations, including Nagori Gate, Parijat Chowk, Lakshmibai Chowk and Dabda.
The buses are equipped with display boards, CCTV cameras, panic buttons and in-built tracking system.
Deputy Commissioner Anish Yadav said the state government had been working to improve services and additional buses would be included in the fleet in the near future.