KSRTC Forced to Reduce Afternoon Bus Services in Kochi as Heatwave Deters Passengers
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has been compelled to slash afternoon bus trips in and around Ernakulam, Kochi, over the past few days. Authorities attribute this decision primarily to the escalating afternoon temperatures, which are discouraging people from venturing outdoors.
Impact on Operations and Revenue
Specifically, KSRTC is cutting eight trips daily from the Ernakulam depot between 12 noon and 3 pm due to a significant drop in passenger numbers. This reduction has adversely affected the daily collections of the financially strained corporation. On typical days, the Ernakulam depot generates between Rs 18 to 20 lakh per day. However, with the decline in ridership and the trip cuts, daily revenue has fallen to approximately Rs 16 lakh.
A KSRTC official explained, "We have been forced to cut eight bus trips, resulting in a reduction of services by around 300-400 km per day, since temperatures started rising and people prefer remaining indoors in the afternoons. Normally, we conduct about 35 trips in the afternoon to various destinations. The cuts mostly affect routes to Thiruvalla and Kothad, but we are rescheduling trips to minimize inconvenience to passengers."
Variations in Service and Contributing Factors
The official added that on Fridays and Mondays, all trips are operated as usual to accommodate commuters traveling to their homes on Fridays and returning to workplaces in Kochi on Mondays. Additionally, March coincides with college and school examination periods, which KSRTC authorities cite as another reason for the declining passenger count. Officials anticipate an increase in passengers by next month when vacations commence.
Operational Details and Cost Savings
The trip reductions have led to decreased fuel consumption and lower maintenance expenses for the buses. The Ernakulam depot manages a fleet of 111 buses, with 80-85 in operation daily. Of these, 50 vehicles serve routes within Ernakulam alone. The depot operates a total of around 200 daily trips, including long-distance journeys, with approximately 60 local trips conducted mostly during morning and evening peak hours.
Generally, when the depot operates only its 20 ordinary buses, it incurs losses, highlighting the financial sensitivity of these services.
Suspension of Double-Decker Bus Service
The low passenger count has also impacted the double-decker bus service, which operates as part of budget tourism initiatives in Kochi. Currently, this service has been suspended pending a fitness test. An official stated, "The service is not available for the last few days. We plan to resume it by next month after receiving the fitness certificate. By that time, the vacation tourism season will also begin. Previously, we were forced to operate the service with very few passengers."
This situation underscores the broader challenges faced by public transport systems during extreme weather conditions and seasonal fluctuations in demand.
