KSRTC plans to launch online ticket bookings

KSRTC plans to launch online ticket bookings
The Hindu Business Line

THE Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) plans to launch Internet booking of bus tickets.

The Corporation is developing a software - Awatar (anywhere anytime reservation) - for this purpose.

According to the KSRTC Director, Mr Bhaskar Rao, the load factor of the corporation is likely to increase by 15 per cent with the implementation of this system.

`Awatar' is being developed at a cost of Rs 5.5 crore, he said. Once implemented, people can book their tickets from anywhere and anytime, by paying online.

Mr Rao told newspersons here on Tuesday that KSRTC has come out with various marketing initiatives to compete with private players in the market.

To provide better facilities for passengers, the corporation is planning to set up `midway plazas' along the national highways. It has already identified lands in some places.

Referring to the `flexi fare' concept, he said the divisional controllers have been given powers to fix fares for a particular route. This flexi fare concept is getting good response in Mangalore-Puttur route in Dakshina Kannada district.

KSRTC is planning to add 2,500 new buses to its fleet, he said.

It has also given adequate importance for the human resource development. Drivers and conductors of the corporation have been asked to behave courteously.

Stating that the corporation's performance is receiving wide acclaim from various quarters, Mr Rao said, "Even foreign delegates are visiting us. In terms of performance, we are very close to Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation and Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Corporation."

Mr Rao said that the credit-rating agency Crisil has ranked KSRTC in `A+' category.