Aapli Bus service revenue increases in Jan, Feb
   Date :03-Mar-2020

Aapli Bus service_1 
 
 
Staff Reporter :
 
Trumpeting the sharp rise in revenue from services of Aapli Bus, Narendra alias Balya Borkar, Chairperson, Transport Committee, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), said the crackdown on rouge elements did help in stemming the losses. Releasing comparative figures for two months of year 2020, January and February, and that of last year for same period, he said there is rise in earnings from city bus services. Borkar said after taking off from his predecessor whom he praised in lofty words, the new measures initiated by him are showing positive results.
 
For example during the month of January 2019 about 9331 buses were in fleet of city bus services and of them 8986 buses actually operated from which ticketed revenue generated amounted to Rs 4,23,36,682. Along with the pass revenue earned for period was Rs 94,36,051. Thus, total earnings during January 2019 were Rs 5,17,72,733. As against this during current year in the first month total 10,959 buses were scheduled and 10,850 were deployed and through it Aapli Bus generated revenue of Rs 4,83,57,573 from sale of tickets. From pass holders the earnings were Rs 1,08,66,500.
 
Therefore, the total earnings from both heads amounted to Rs 5,92,24,073. Thus during the month of January 2020 alone city bus services generated additional revenue of Rs 74,51,340, giving some space for breather for deepening the operations. As to month of February during the last year from scheduled 8,265 buses the three operators ran 8,072 buses. From them NMC realised revenue of Rs 4,10,24,393 through sale of tickets and Rs 66,10,177 from pass holders. For the month total revenue was Rs 4,76,34,570. Now, during this year for month of February, the number of buses plying on roads increased to 9,735 from 9,871 scheduled to run.
 
The revenue realised from sale of tickets was Rs 4,99,926,629 while pass holders provided income of Rs 80,77,122. The total income now is Rs 5,80,69,751. Responding to queries, Borkar said though number of buses plying on roads increased the reason for rise in revenue was change in strategy. Borkar said he took over charge as Chairperson, Transport Committee, on December 28, and first and foremost task that was done to break the nexus of conductors. Focus was kept on dismantling WhatsApp groups formed by conductors who were short selling tickets and pocketing money. Nearly 194 IDs were blocked while 32 were dismissed from service after they were caught red handed.
 
The stringent action did had some effect and this is reflected in increased earnings. Borkar, however said, “Still city bus operations are facing annual losses of Rs six crore and more efforts are being undertaken to improve the financial position. Plans are afoot to look for alternate sources of revenue and also concentrate on ensuring cent per cent ticketing.” The decision to ensure full booking of tickets at Sitabuldi boarding points has proved to be hit.
 
The long distance buses running towards Kanhan, Khaparkheda, Butibori are providing better returns. Further intensive checking of buses on long routes, imposition of fines on without ticket holders also acted as deterrent. About Rs.7,08,765 was realised from travellers who did not purchase tickets and for this fine of Rs 200 was collected from them. About 1,18,724 trips were checked and this increased vigil has cut down the losses.