THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The KSRTC is set to roll out a comprehensive training programme aimed at enhancing professionalism among its bus crew. Under this new initiative, drivers and conductors will undergo behavioural training at the Police Training College in Thiruvananthapuram, where they will also be introduced to the basics of law to better serve the public. In the first phase, 1,000 drivers and 1,000 conductors will take part in the programme to be held this week.
The drivers will also receive instruction in technical aspects of bus operations, while the conductors will be trained in KSRTC’s new digital initiatives. The initiative has been introduced by Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, who stressed that professional conduct is a key factor in bringing in passengers. The initiative comes at a time when KSRTC is implementing several measures to build passenger loyalty.
“The role of KSRTC crew is no longer limited to issuing tickets or ferrying passengers according to the schedule. The crew members need to interact more with passengers, offering new services such as providing bottled drinking water, coordinating with other agencies in arranging snacks or lunch. They should conduct themselves in a professional manner and be aware of consumer rights,” an official said.
KSRTC currently has around 15,000 crew members operating fewer than 5,000 buses. The management has been monitoring their conduct closely, rewarding good behaviour and issuing termination orders in cases of serious misconduct. The new training programme is part of a wider set of initiatives planned for the coming months. The effort is not limited to bus crew, as ministerial staff will also undergo training at the Institute of Driving Training and Research in Edappal.