Participating in the second ‘Bus Day’ organised by the Karnataka State Transport Corporation (KSRTC) in the city on Monday, he told media persons that the use of biofuels such as Ethanol and ‘Honge’ would reduce the loss being incurred by the department in operating its fleet of buses.

Mentioning that a few oil companies were against the use of biofuels, the minister said the use of biofuel would also save the precious fossil fuel.

Ashoka pointed out that in Bangalore city, eight lakh people have chosen to leave their cars at home and use the public transport service. “Once in a month we are also travelling in the bus to improve awareness among people,” he added.

Minister’s jolly ride

Arriving at Kalasthavadi in Mysore Taluk from Bangalore, Ashoka boarded a Volvo bus and travelled to City Bus Stand. Interacting with co-passengers, Ashoka purchased a ticket and asked others to do the same.

When the bus reached JSS Dental College, Ashoka went near the door -like a a conductor - and shouted out loud calling the name of the bus stop for enabling passengers to get down. His interaction with the passengers till he reached the bus stand.

‘Janandolana’

On the ‘Janandolana’ being organised by Janata Dal (Secular) Ashoka said it was common for Opposition parties to protest against the functioning of ruling party. However, he said that any party conducting a rally should conduct it legally. “We work for the welfare of people. We have no problems as long as the rallies by the opposition parties don’t cause law and order problems. But we will take action if it breaches law and order”. he added.

Second ‘Bus Day’

Ashoka said that compared to Bangalore, the ‘Bus Day’ being organised in Mysore has received tremendous support from the people. He said that when the concept was introduced in Bangalore, people were hesitant to use buses. However, with passage of time, they have started using public transport, he added.

Mentioning that the event was being conducted to improve awareness among people about saving the environment, Ashoka said that it wasn’t being organised for the sake of raking in profits.