There is some ray of hope for the cash strapped Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC). The daily earning of the corporation has gone up by 25% and the passenger load too has gone up to 138%.
RSRTC managing director Purushottam Sharma has taken some tough steps to rein in conductors and drivers. There have been reports of ‘without ticket' travelling in roadways buses which was creating leakage in revenue. Sharma took bold step and suspended more than 100 conductors and drivers involved in letting without ticket travelling.
“Conductor and driver will be suspended immediately if the bus is found with more than two passengers travelling without ticket,” said a senior Roadways official.
The step is now bearing results as the passenger load for November remained more than 100% throughout the month leading to surge in income.
“The daily average earning which was Rs 4.2 crore has gone up to Rs 5.35 crore in November. On December 2, the daily earning has touched a new record earning of Rs 7.59 crore and a passenger load of 138%,” the officer said.
The corporation is also reeling under shortage of buses. The fleet of 3,500 buses is reduced to 2,000 only on ground as 1,500 buses have become redundant.
Recently in the board meeting, the corporation has decided to buy 800 new buses including 300 electric buses.
“With replenishment of fleet, the income and passenger load will also increase and we can put more buses on routes where there is demand. New buses will bring cost efficiency, low maintenance and high performance which will further help in improving financial health,” the officer said.
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