Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jun 30: After over a month of lockdown period, private buses will begin to ply in the district from July 1, duly following Covid protocols with 50% seating capacity and 20 per cent hike in fares.

Despite the fact that deputy commissioner (DC) Dr K V Rajendra passed orders permitting to operate buses with 50% seating capacity from last Monday, the private buses preferred to wait and decided to ply from July 1. Due to several reasons such as vehicle fitness, condition, development works in the city and fuel price, the bus owners association decided to wait till July 1.

The bus fare will be increased by 20% in the first stage, until the Covid guidelines are in force. The DC will conduct a meeting with the RTO and bus owners.

The buses need to ply with 50% seating capacity, social distance should be maintained, masks should be worn, sanitization should be done and other Covid guidelines are to be followed.

Speaking to daijiworld.com, president of District Bus Owners’ Association Dilraj Alva said, “From July 1, few private buses will operate after release from the RTO depending upon its fitness condition. From July 5, more number of buses will provide service in the city. Due to the lockdown, the condition of the buses is the main concern for all of us. Almost all the bus conductors and drivers have been vaccinated with first dose.”