Kerala: Busports' to replace stations

Kochi: The state government has initiated an ambitious project to set up ‘Busports’ – multi-storeyed buildings with  modern passenger amenities and information system – replacing the existing bus terminals. This will be implemented  first in Kochi and later in other key centres. “We’ve started the process to set up international-level  Busports  replacing many of the existing bus stations. The project will be implemented on a public-private Partnership (PPP) mode. We’ve engaged PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to prepare a new detailed project report,” said transport principal secretary K.R. Jyothilal during a function here when  a pact was signed to extend the usage of Kochi-1  Metrocard to private buses.

The   Busports  will have most of the facilities available at airports like passenger information system, digital signage, waiting lounges, eateries, dormitory and well-maintained toilet complexes, he said.     "The plan is to set up  Busports  of various categories. For instance,  there will be three or four 'A' category Busports,  which will enjoy maximum bus services (like Vytilla mobility hub),  and the smaller ones. A commuter can know live running status, availability of seat, connection buses etc from the Busport itself," said another official in the know-how of the project.

Mr Jyothilal   said a draft 'electric mobility policy' will be readied in a couple of months to promote non-polluting transportation and reduce carbon footprints. "For instance, air-conditioned electric buses will be deployed at airports like CIAL to ferry air passengers to the city," he said. The KSRTC is also  in the process of introducing pre-paid transit cards and is set to float an open bid within a month.