Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Aug 13: The Udupi city buses will be introducing 'Chalo' travel cards for the ease of passengers’ commute, said Kuilady Suresh Naik, president of Udupi city bus owners association.
Addressing the media on Thursday, August 13, he said, "Passengers can recharge these cards and just tap on the ticketing machine of the conductor and the ticket will be issued. Passengers are offered attractive recharge plans for their convenience. These cards can also be used in city busses of Mangaluru and Hubballi. Due to the use of this card people will not be facing the issue of dues and this will even reduce the human contact which will be a lifesaver in these pandemic times.”
Speaking about the operations of 'Chalo' cards in Udupi city busses, operations manager Manjunath Koppal said, "Based on the passengers' travel history in Udupi city buses we have introduced two plans for Udupi commuters. The first plan is based on Rs 10 value. This will be having an offer of Super Saver 149 which will cover 21 trips with seven days validity. The second plan for Rs 10 value is of Super Saver 499 which will cover 100 trips with a validity of 28 days. The second set of plans is for travellers who spend Rs 20 on their commute. The Super Saver 199 plan will be covering 21 trips with a validity of seven days and the Super Saver 599 will be covering 100 trips and a validity of 28 days.”
City bus passengers can avail these cards from the designated counters in city bus stand Udupi and in Manipal. As an introductory offer, the 'Chalo' card users will be eligible to win household items in a monthly lucky draw contest. In upcoming days the users will be given access to track the live location of their bus of choice and will be facilitated to pre-book tickets before boarding the bus.
Speaking about the current scenario of stage carrier busses in Karnataka state, Naik said, "Currently around 8,000 stage carrier buses of Karnataka are facing huge loss due to the sudden pandemic hit. To restart the bus service there is a minimum investment of at least Rs 1.5 lac for its maintenance purpose for each bus. If the government releases a package of Rs 1.5 lac for each bus it would help the industry survive. Though the central government has given moratorium for loans till September the bus owners will be finding it hard to repay the loans till next March. We had given concessions for students, senior citizens and other sections of the community for many years in the past and have never asked before the government for the refund of these amounts.”
Suresh Naik also requested the chief minister to quickly look after this issue.
Gananath Hegde vice-president, Udupi city bus owners association, Sandeep, and Vadiraj Suvarna was present.