While the Ernakulam-Aluva route had once proved to be profitable for the KSRTC to operate the low-floor AC bus services, the Kochi Metro construction which is currently being undertaken on various stretches along the route has marred its prospects. Officials with the KSRTC said that most of the low-floor buses were being operated on the route as it was the most viable route in the city.
The buses which were utilised for the inter-district services are now plying to Nedumbassery airport.
A few of them are also being operated between Fort Kochi and Ernakulam. KSRTC officials said that they were planning to approach the government with the request to extend the services to Thodupuzha. “The buses between Ernakulam and Muvattupuzha were generating a huge profit. Taking this into consideration, we think it will not be viable for the KSRTC if it limits its services only within the city,” officials said. Lack of sufficient width on city roads has caused a lot of damage to the low-floor buses. “It is impossible to steer the buses through the roads in the city safely. Many have broken front glass pane, window panels, engine and air suspension system leading to heavy repair. The inter-district services were far more viable,” officials said.
Another reason cited by the KSRTC was the poor collection on the routes like Thevara where the low-floor buses are being operated. “We will conduct another study to find out whether there are more routes where services can be operated and specify the new routes selected,” they said.