Revolutionize Your Journey: Discover the Game-Changing Bus Aggregator Platform Transforming Kerala’s Interstate Travel
FlixBus, a German bus aggregator platform, is set to revolutionize interstate bus travel in Kerala by launching services in the Bengaluru-Kochi-Alappuzha corridor around Deepavali, followed by routes from Chennai. This initiative emerges amid concerns about the lack of dedicated interstate bus terminals in places like Kochi. The selected buses will be less than three years old, fitted with two-point seat belts, dashcams, and technology to monitor driver alertness. This evolution in bus services follows the Centre’s bus-aggregator policy and All India Tourist Permit (AITP) regulations.
Senior Motor Vehicle Department officials anticipate that these services will introduce much-needed quality improvements, addressing issues like overcharging during peak travel times. This is especially pertinent as the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) struggles with limited fleet capacity, compelling buses to take time-consuming routes through multiple depots. While private operators have updated their fleets, some continue using unsafe, modified buses with fake certifications.
Officials underline the importance of eliminating redundant state taxes, given that operators pay the Centre for AITP. They also advocate for the development of interstate bus terminals to improve commuter convenience. However, Rijas A.J., State President of the Interstate Bus Owners’ Association–Kerala, warns that aggregator platforms might threaten small and medium operators, already facing stiff competition. Consequently, fares for routes like Ernakulam-Bengaluru are as low as ₹900, with existing operators enhancing services, such as live bus tracking, to stay competitive.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/bus-aggregator-platform-likely-to-be-a-game-changer-in-keralas-interstate-bus-travel-sector/article68721844.ece
Category : Kerala
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