Nagpur: Aapli Bus has dropped drastically as many residents tend to operate from their homes or stop using public transportation to limit their exposure to new coronavirus(Covid-19).
Against an average of 1,50 lakh per day, a daily number of commuters has decreased to 90,000, “a senior officer from the transport department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation reported. He added that there was also a drop in daily revenue from Rs 21 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
Via three Red Bus operators and one female bus operator alone, the NMC operates 361 coaches on 112 routes. These busses fly over 80,000 km a day and take over 5,500 journeys a day.
Owing to the outbreak of Covid-19 and the consequent restrictions imposed by authorities, riders would undoubtedly see a further decline.
“We are not completely able to take the bus service away from traffic at a time when the coronavirus is so overwhelming,” said Chairman of the Narendra Borkar Transport Committee, adding: “NMC City Transportation Services is a lifeline for many people. When people do travel, you have to presume that it is necessary for the functioning or for certain purposes such as visiting hospitals, market places, etc…”We have actually taken two journeys each to guarantee social distance until March 31, taking into account the risks associated with a Covid-19 outbreak.
Borkar said that while the NMC operates Aapli Bus 361 on 112 routes and on seven routes, there is heavy-handed traffic in Kamptee, Kanhan, Kalmeshwar, Khaperkheda, Butibori, Ambajhari-defense and Hingna. He said much of the rush is seen during the morning and evening peak hours.
Furthermore, the Aapli Bus operators have already disinfected city buses twice a day.
