No concession for M'lore Udupi Volvo commuters

Passengers traveling by Mangalore-Udupi Volvo buses on daily basis are compelled to shell out additional money as the KSRTC has not been issuing concession passes.

There are many doctors, bankers and students traveling from Udupi-Mangalore everyday and most of them prefer to travel by Volvo especially during summer because it is comfortable. It is estimated that 3,000 people travel between Udupi and Mangalore on daily basis. However, the KSRTC has not introduced the concept of ‘monthly concession pass’ so far for Volvo buses on this route.

Though the commuters have approached the officials several times seeking issuing of passes it has not yielded any result.

“KSRTC had started pass facility for the convenience of the people commuting on a particular route on daily basis, many years ago. This pass facility is available in various places across the State and it is helping thousands of passengers depending on KSRTC buses. It is only in Dakshina Kannada district that this facility is not available,” said Ramesh, a bank employee.

The fare between Mangalore-Udupi is Rs 65 in Volvo. The KSRTC, which considers April, May and June as peak season hikes the tariff to Rs 80 during these three months due to which the commuters have to spend Rs 4800 per month during peak season and during other months they spend Rs 3,900.

Adithya, a student studying in Mangalore says that many people want to travel by Volvo but cost factor keeps them away. “If the company reduces the fare or issues passes the number of commuters traveling by Volvo will increase by many folds,” he said adding that the KSRTC must take steps in this regard at the earliest.

However, KSRTC Mangalore divisional controller M Ramesh said that steps have been taken to issue passes and a proposal has been sent to KSRTC head office in Bangalore.  “There are all possibilities of the proposal getting approval. Once we receive the nod we will start issuing passes,” he said adding that already there are eleven Volvos plying on Mangalore- Manipal route and KSRTC will think over increasing number of buses on the route.