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BMTC A-C buses to run for KSRTC to recover losses

None of the public transport corporations in the country is making profits and is subsidised by the government.

Bengaluru: The spike in fuel costs is taking a toll on the finances of state-run Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which is losing around Rs 22 for every kilometre run by a bus. This has pushed BMTC to either seek financial support from the state government or to raise the ticket fares. At a recent meeting, Transport Minister D.C. Thammanna said that BMTC air-conditioned buses can be made to run for KSRTC to make up for the losses.

The utility’s 6,800 ordinary and air-conditioned buses run almost 11.48 lakh kilometre a day, catering to over 45 lakh passengers. This leads to a daily operational loss of Rs 2.5 crore, while the ticket collection is at Rs 5 crore. The operational loss of air-conditioned buses is more than that of ordinary buses. BMTC spends Rs 80.29 to run an AC bus per kilometre, while it earns Rs 63.95.

A senior BMTC official said, “The air-conditioned buses, except the airport services, have been causing bigger losses for the corporation. The minister had recently announced that the BMTC would stop procuring air-conditioned buses, and he also suggested that AC buses can be attached to KSRTC to run long-distance routes like Tumakuru and other neighbouring districts. Hope the suggestion will be accepted and losses reduced”

BMTC has asked for Rs 1,000 crore from the government and Rs 100 crore as subsidy. Now it is planning to approach the government again for help. None of the public transport corporations in the country is making profits and is subsidised by the government.

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