Kochi City Transportation

[georgescifo]

Anyway this is a great job by the one who started this thread. In my opinion the Non-AC Low Floor (Ashok Leyland) in Cochin is totally a money wasting thing, due to bad condition of these buses, low speed and extra prices..The non AC low floor buses are not having any major differences when compared with the services of the normal KSRTC buses, expect for the high ticket rates they are asking for..

[binaiks]

Hope atleast this government would do something to widen Kochi's roads.

Some Bus News:

New services between Ernakulam and Paravur via Container Road (The near Vallarpadam-Kalamassery road) has been launched. One Non-AC Low Floor and one Venad bus will run in this route initially.

The Venad bus will leave from Parur at 7:00 AM, reaching Ernakulam Jetty at 8:00 AM. In the return direction, the bus will leave Ernakulam at 8:30, and will go upto Guruvayur.

The Non-AC bus runs between Parur and Thevara via Container road.

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by georgescifo

Anyway this is a great job by the one who started this thread. In my opinion the Non-AC Low Floor (Ashok Leyland) in Cochin is totally a money wasting thing, due to bad condition of these buses, low speed and extra prices..The non AC low floor buses are not having any major differences when compared with the services of the normal KSRTC buses, expect for the high ticket rates they are asking for..

True!!! In my opinion, the entire Non-A/c low floor must be declared as Thiru-kochi services. There is no point in using those big old design buses. The SLF is actually a modern design and quite airy. Since now KSRTC now is planning to buy buses from outside, the cost advantage is not there, in using the typical old designed buses.

I wonder why they haven't introduced full-wrap body ads to garner more revenues. That would justify lowering rates.

[binaiks]

Originally Posted by georgescifo

In my opinion the Non-AC Low Floor (Ashok Leyland) in Cochin is totally a money wasting thing, due to bad condition of these buses, low speed and extra prices..

To be very honest, the Non-AC LF Buses are faster than other KSRTC buses. However, drivers go slow in the hope of finding passengers. On routes like Aluva-Parur, people have accepted these services and there is considerable rush even during non-peak hours for these buses.

Only the first lot of these buses (9 buses) are in very bad condition. Other buses are in decent condition - except for buses operated by Aluva depot. The fare is certainly too high. But, I hope that they do not increase fares for these buses when they announce a ticket price hike next month (which is imminent).

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

True!!! In my opinion, the entire Non-A/c low floor must be declared as Thiru-kochi services. There is no point in using those big old design buses. The SLF is actually a modern design and quite airy.

Very true - Thirukochi buses are too old modeled. They should've gone for specialised city buses - with wider doors and better route displays. KSRTC might not be willing to charge Thirukochi fares in these SLF buses, since they are expensive to operate. They have lower fuel efficiency (something very common with rear engine buses), and hence higher operating costs. However, they should've considered charging only "City Fast" fare (which is same as Fast Passenger fares)

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

I wonder why they haven't introduced full-wrap body ads to garner more revenues. That would justify lowering rates.

Full-body wrap would look ugly in non-ac buses. The advertiser cannot effectively use the space around the windows, and hence I am not sure if anybody would be willing to spend so much money on it. However, I hear that there are plans to open up JNNURM Volvos for advertisement - window panels and space behind seats would be up for grabs.

[Jayesh Joy]

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/chartered...24-60-122.html

[mohammedirshad06]

The Vytilla mobility hub is set to come alive once again, with buses plying in more routes scheduled to touch the bus terminal here from July 20.

Currently, the hub wears an almost deserted look since only a few KSRTC buses plying from the city to Muvattupuzha call at the terminal. “Initially, we plan to shift three bus stops from Vytilla Junction to the terminal, in order to decongest the junction. The forthcoming Bus Day on July 20 will be observed with the hub as the base,” said the Ernakulam RTO T.J. Thomas.

On the day, buses plying from the city to Tripunithura and back too would call at the bus terminal. Modifications in the traffic flow would be chalked out based on the trial run conducted on Bus Day. If all goes off well, buses to and from Alappuzha too would ply through the terminal. With only phase one of the hub over and the main bus terminal and parking amenities for private vehicles planned only in phase two, the day is still far off when KSRTC and private buses would operate from the hub.

The Rs 15-crore phase one has 65 bus-parking bays, passenger waiting sheds and toilets. Interlocked tiles too were laid between the entry from Kaniampuzha Road and the exit on the Vytilla-Tripunithura Road. The hub for inter-modal (road, waterway, metro and railway) hub is expected to cost Rs 376 crore when the project's final phase is over.

The primary bottleneck for buses to begin service from here is the lack of flyover(s) at the already-congested Vytilla Junction. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is yet to prepare a detailed project report on the flyovers proposed many years ago at Vytilla, Edapally, Palarivattom and Kundanoor. The consultants for the mobility hub project, KITCO had proposed building two flyovers at Vytilla over a year ago, but the NHAI opposed it.

A KITCO official said that the police would have to remove encroachers, illegal autorickshaw stands and vendors from Vytilla, to prevent obstruction to traffic flow when more buses call at the Vytilla terminal. The NHAI would have to build a new underpass beneath the Vytilla railway overbridge, so that vehicles can move in either direction.

Civic agencies would have to widen the narrow entrance of the road that begins from the temple on the Vytilla-Palarivattom Road to the existing underpass.

Though funds had been earmarked in the State budget for a ring road around Vytilla, work has not begun.

[mohammedirshad06]

യു.ഡി.എഫ്. സര്*ക്കാരിന്റെ 100 ദിന പരിപാടിയുടെ ഭാഗമായി പെരുമ്പാവൂര്* ഡിപ്പോയിലേക്ക് നാല് കെ.എസ്.ആര്*.ടി.സി. ലോഫേ്*ളാര്* ബസ്സുകള്* അനുവദിച്ചതായി യു.ഡി.എഫ്. കണ്*വീനര്* പി.പി. തങ്കച്ചന്* അറിയിച്ചു. ശനിയാഴ്ച രാവിലെ 9ന് കെ.പി. ധനപാലന്* എം.പി. ഫ്*ളാഗ് ഓഫ് ചെയ്യും.

രണ്ട് സര്*വീസുകള്* പെരുമ്പാവൂരില്*നിന്ന് മൂവാറ്റുപുഴ, മണ്ണൂര്*, വളയന്*ചിറങ്ങര, പോഞ്ഞാശ്ശേരി വഴി ആലുവയ്ക്ക് ആയിരിക്കും. പെരുമ്പാവൂര്*, പുത്തന്*കുരിശ്, തൃപ്പൂണിത്തുറ, എരൂര്* ക്ഷേത്രത്തിലേക്കാണ് ഒരു സര്*വീസ്. മറ്റൊന്ന് മൂവാറ്റുപുഴ, അങ്കമാലി റൂട്ടില്* സര്*വീസ് നടത്തും.

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/ernakulam...%E2%80%8D.html

As part of 100 days program, KSRTC started 4 Low floor buses from Perumbavoor Depot. 3 routes are served in this time.

1. 2 buses will ply in Perumbavoor-Muvattupuzha via Mannur, Valayanchira-Ponjacherry-Aluva.

2. One bus will ply in Perumbavoor-Puthencruz-Tripunithara-Eloor Temple route.

3. Another bus operates in Muvattupuzha-Angamally sector

[mohammedirshad06]

കോതമംഗലം കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി ഡിപ്പോക്ക് പുതുതായി അനുവദിച്ച 3 ലോ ഫ്*ളോര്* ബസ്സുകള്* സര്*വീസ് ആരംഭിച്ചു.

നേര്യമംഗലം-മൂവാറ്റുപുഴ, പൈങ്ങോട്ടൂര്*-ആലുവ, വടാട്ടുപാറ-എറണാകുളം എന്നീ റൂട്ടുകളിലാണ് സര്*വീസ് നടത്തുന്നത്. ഡിപ്പോയില്* ഇപ്പോള്* 9 ലോ ഫ്*ളോര്* ബസ്സുകള്* സര്*വീസ് നടത്തുന്നുണ്ട്. പുതിയ ബസ്സുകള്* ടി.യു. കുരുവിള എം.എല്*.എ ഫ്*ളാഗ് ഓഫ് ചെയ്തു.

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/ernakulam...%E0%B4%82.html

3 Low floor bus started its operations from Kothamangalam depot, as per announcement made eariler. The service will be as per following route;

Neriyamangalam-Muvattupuzha-Aluva-Vattupara-Ernakulam

Currently Kothamangalam depot has 9 low floor bus services..... Good going, Ernakulam

[RKPV]

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

As part of 100 days program, KSRTC started 4 Low floor buses from Perumbavoor Depot. 3 routes are served in this time.

1. 2 buses will ply in Perumbavoor-Muvattupuzha via Mannur, Valayanchira-Ponjacherry-Aluva.

2. One bus will ply in Perumbavoor-Puthencruz-Tripunithara-Eloor Temple route.

3. Another bus operates in Muvattupuzha-Angamally sector

I couldn't understand the exact route of the first two, i mean the start and end points.

And, whatever ,the new buses, bustand,busstop all are counted in the account of 100 day program????

[mohammedirshad06]

The new railway ticket counter at the Kakkanad Civil Station will be inaugurated on July 30. The decision to open the counter this month was taken at a meeting convened at the District Collector's chamber on Monday.

"The blueprint of the railway counter has already been prepared and has been handed over to the PWD," Ernakulam District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth said.He also instructed the authorities concerned to complete the construction of the counter before July, 25.

The major services of Southern Railways, including normal ticket reservation, online ticketing facilities and season tickets will be available at the new counter. The counter will be operational from 8 am till 6 pm.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/railway-c...09-60-122.html

[mohammedirshad06]

The decision of the government to undertake the project of providing transportation through the rivers and the backwaters of Kerala from Thiruvanathapuram to Kasargode is a very positive and welcome approach by the government.This will indeed give a boost to our historical backwater tourism. The World Travel Mart (WTM) has adjudged Alleppey backwaters as the thirteenth best tourist destination in the world. Due to this fact a lot of tourists are attracted from all over India and the world especially from Europe to this destination.The upcoming project of water transportation throughout Kerala at this juncture will be of great importance notably for the promotion of tourism

The ongoing development project by the government to connect the Kochi International Airport with Kochi city is very attractive. Even though there is no practical benefit for the users and passengers travelling through the airport in general, this will be of great happiness and immense pleasure for the tourists travelling within India and the world. The travel through the interiors of Kerala backwaters enjoying each and every moment of natural beauty and the travel through the Periyar river will give tourists an exclusive and exquisite experience to remember for a lifetime.

The IAAI (IATA Agents Association of India) Kerala state president, P B Boss has requested the government to extend the proposed water transport facility from Kanjoor to Kochi to the internationally recognised tourist destinations of Kalady and Malayattoor also which lies close to Kanjoor and the Kochi International Airport.This will give a far reaching opportunity to promote and increase the tourism industry in the years ahead.

http://www.expresstravelworld.com/20...waters02.shtml

[mohammedirshad06]

Happy Birthday Thiru-Kochi Bus services.



Thirukochi completed its one year of fruitful services for Kochinites. As a happy birthday gift, KSRTC now plans for 30 additional buses in 22 additional routes, mainly to connect suburbs and routes not covered by private buses to the city center. The proposal is now pending before RTA for approval. In addition, the District transport officials plan to extend the timings of Thiru-Kochi services till 10:30 PM in night to benefit night travellers. Currently all services end at 8:30 PM. The KSRTC also plans to increase the frequency of Ladies Only service from Kakkanad to Tripunithara route before Onam.

Currently there are 70 buses operating several routes, with more than 660 schedules. However most of them are currently running in low-density routes creating more losses. In addition scarcity in getting drivers and issues with private bus operators have made the service unreliable to some extend.

The District Transport officials plan to rectify by massive recruitment outside Kochi, provide additional training and secure for more profitable routes. The arrival of Thiru-Kochi has made a considerable change in transport sector of Kochi. Private buses operators improved their services and number of strikes went down significantly.

[Jayesh Joy]

I was very happy to hear about ksrtc starting Thiru Kochi Services..But Sadly My Car was Hit from Behind by a thirukochi Bus the day i was in Kochi after the services started. :-(

[georgescifo]

At last the goverment seems to be supplying some amount of public transport to the people. But what about the roads in Cochin. They are the most dangerous things on the earth and if they are not planning to repair the roads, then what is the use of these newly launched public transport systems..

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by georgescifo

At last the goverment seems to be supplying some amount of public transport to the people. But what about the roads in Cochin. They are the most dangerous things on the earth and if they are not planning to repair the roads, then what is the use of these newly launched public transport systems..

This Govt seems in good mood to make better roads, if not world class..... Infact both PWD minister and Union Minister KV Thomas are daily mointoring the conditions. I wish the Cheraman Perumal era-kind of PWD manual must be thrown into Arabian sea as its national waste to construct 20mm thickness road in Kerala, due to its high pressure and continuum rains, which result in instant collapse of roads... I am happy the new minister is considering Rubberized roads with 40mm thickness.....

[mohammedirshad06]

Though the authorities are planning more programmes to encourage people to use public transport, inadequate number of buses to meet the demand will play a major hurdle in the success of these campaigns, says a recent study by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR).

“Although there has been a five percent increase in the population from the previous decade, the number of buses available for public transport remains almost the same,” the it said.

According to the study, in the year 1993, when the approximate population of Kochi was estimated at 5,72,560, there were 70 KSRTC buses and 630 private buses operating in the city limits.

The population of Kochi in 2011 is estimated at 6,18,348. Though the number of KSRTC buses has increased to 168, the number of private buses have been reduced to 530, taking the total number of buses plying through the city to 698.

In 2009, a proposal was sent from the RTO office, Kakkanad, and another proposal from the Thiruvanathpuram Transport Commission Office to the State Government, seeking an increase in the number of buses.

However, no progress is stated to have taken place, it said.

The study also says that Route Rationalisation has never happened till date. Route Rationalisation is a study to understand traffic demands, the inflow and outflow in the number of commuters and related details. It helps give a clear insight into public transport services, as required at each corner.

“The GPS system in the low-floor ac buses is yet to be activated. This facility helps GPS or GPRS-enabled mobile phone users to avail themselves of bus arrival timings. GPS navigation also shows commuters where they have travelled, allowing routes to be pre-programmed,” the study says.

Unless these concerns are addressed, the bus, as a medium of transport, will fail to attract the residents of Kochi, who are downcast due to hiked petrol prices and increased traffic congestion, it says.

Bus Day today

The fourth edition of the Bus Day, the concept launched to encourage the public to adopt public transport, will be observed on Wednesday.

The major highlight of the fourth edition will be the free journey offered by the authorities in the double-decker bus, for the morning trip. The morning trip will start at 8.30 am from Thoppumpady to Angamaly and will ply back to Vyttila.
There will be concession on ticket fare at the low floor AC bus that will start its operation by 8 am from Vyttila. The Indian Chamber of Commerce will offer coupons priced at Rs 5 which can be used for travelling in private buses.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/commuters...38-60-122.html

[mohammedirshad06]

In order to ease the traffic in the city, Campaign for Economic and Most Appropriate Transport System (CEMATS), Kochi, has come up with a proposal for integrated transport system. The proposal comprises projects such as introduction of suburban train, extending bus services to new routes, using the underutilised roads properly, constructing flyovers in certain areas, renovation of junctions and starting more circular services.

CEMATS has submitted the proposal to Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany. High-speed suburban trains should be introduced in the Thrissur-Ernakulam-Kottayam, Thrissur-Ernakulam- Alappuzha and Alappuzha-Ernakulam-Kottayam sectors. “If automatic block signalling system is used, we can run more services using the existing railway tracks. The construction of Sabari rail should be expedited and the project should be extended to Thiruvanthapuram,” said V M Michael, convener, CEMATS.

The old railway station near the High Court should be put to use. The station can be used as a terminal for suburban train. “Ernakulam Junction-Kochi Harbour railway line should be electrified. The services now halting at Ernakulam Junction station should be extended to Fort Kochi,” he said.

Bus services should be started in new routes like the Thoppumpady-Kundannor-Vyttila, Thoppumpady-Tripunithura-Mulanthuruthy and Ernakulam-Vallarpadom-Kalamassery routes.

More services should be started to connect the Tripunithura-Kakkanad-Medical College-Eloor stretch.

A terminal should be opened in Kaloor for starting more city bus services so that long distance buses can end their services without entering the city centre. The water transport system should be vitalised.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/integrate...46-60-122.html

[mohammedirshad06]

Passengers waiting at the city bus stops will soon be protected from the elements. The Kochi Corporation has cleared a proposal for setting up 51 bus shelters in the city. The shelters will come up on the Build, Operate and Transfer mode.

While Max View Media Solutions, a private agency, will set up 42 shelters, Aiswarya Advertising, another private firm, will put up nine shelters in the spots to be identified by the Town Planning Department of the City Corporation.

The design for the shelters would be prepared by the Town Planning Department and the Engineering wing of the civic body would supervise the construction, said K.J. Sohan, chairman, Town Planning standing committee.

The firms investing in the project would realise their investment by way of displaying advertisements in the shelters. The agencies have agreed to the proposal of the corporation that the display rights will be for three years and they will not stake any claim on the shelters after the expiry of the term, according to a corporation document.

The shortage of bus shelters and public toilets had been creating inconvenience to the passengers. Many of the existing shelters had lost their roofs and protective structures exposing the waiting passengers to the elements.

All the shelters would have a uniform design and the corporation was in the process of finalising one. The cost of setting up the structures could be ascertained only after the finalisation of the design, civic authorities said.

It would be the responsibility of the agencies to maintain the shelters during the contract period. Some of the existing shelters will also be rebuilt and modern amenities will be provided in them. The Engineering wing of the corporation will ensure the structural safety and related aspects of the shelters.

The corporation had earlier set up three model bus shelters in the city.

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/d...ds_668897f.jpg

[DileepKS]

Del. Wrong thread

[bijuarr]

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

Though the authorities are planning more programmes to encourage people to use public transport, inadequate number of buses to meet the demand will play a major hurdle in the success of these campaigns, says a recent study by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR).

“Although there has been a five percent increase in the population from the previous decade, the number of buses available for public transport remains almost the same,” the it said.

According to the study, in the year 1993, when the approximate population of Kochi was estimated at 5,72,560, there were 70 KSRTC buses and 630 private buses operating in the city limits.

The population of Kochi in 2011 is estimated at 6,18,348. Though the number of KSRTC buses has increased to 168, the number of private buses have been reduced to 530, taking the total number of buses plying through the city to 698.

In 2009, a proposal was sent from the RTO office, Kakkanad, and another proposal from the Thiruvanathpuram Transport Commission Office to the State Government, seeking an increase in the number of buses.

However, no progress is stated to have taken place, it said.

The study also says that Route Rationalisation has never happened till date. Route Rationalisation is a study to understand traffic demands, the inflow and outflow in the number of commuters and related details. It helps give a clear insight into public transport services, as required at each corner.

“The GPS system in the low-floor ac buses is yet to be activated. This facility helps GPS or GPRS-enabled mobile phone users to avail themselves of bus arrival timings. GPS navigation also shows commuters where they have travelled, allowing routes to be pre-programmed,” the study says.

Unless these concerns are addressed, the bus, as a medium of transport, will fail to attract the residents of Kochi, who are downcast due to hiked petrol prices and increased traffic congestion, it says.

Bus Day today

The fourth edition of the Bus Day, the concept launched to encourage the public to adopt public transport, will be observed on Wednesday.

The major highlight of the fourth edition will be the free journey offered by the authorities in the double-decker bus, for the morning trip. The morning trip will start at 8.30 am from Thoppumpady to Angamaly and will ply back to Vyttila.
There will be concession on ticket fare at the low floor AC bus that will start its operation by 8 am from Vyttila. The Indian Chamber of Commerce will offer coupons priced at Rs 5 which can be used for travelling in private buses.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/commuters...38-60-122.html

What is the current status of VMH? Kottayam bound buses started from VMH (July20th)?