Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 8: Even though it is nearly six months since the unlock process began, the public transport industry has not yet returned to normalcy. Early recovery from the current slump is not in sight. Although of late, the number of buses running have increased, the owners are struggling to meet even maintenance costs.

The fact that meetings, functions, family programmes, festivals and other public events have not started to be held on a full scale and the fact that educational institutions have not opened, have hit the buses hard. The fear of corona persists in the minds of the people and talk of a second wave has only worsened the situation. People do not take risks and prefer their own vehicles to buses, which has been creating problems.

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Sources say that about 70 private expresses buses and 70 percent KSRTC buses have been operating. In Mangaluru, 60 percent private city buses are moving. The buses have good collection only in the morning and evening, because of people going to work and returning home.

In Udupi too, 60 to 70 percent of the city and service buses are moving. Udupi bus owners’ association president, Kuilady Suresh Nayak, confesses that income of the buses are only 50 to 60 percent of the previous year. Less people are using air-conditioned buses. It may take some more time to normalise, said divisional controller of KSRTC Mangaluru H S Arun.