The “Shivneri Corporate” point-to-point bus service launched by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) can be termed as a success as it is partially managed to obtain the purpose it is supposed to.
Introduced in July on two routes – Lokhandwala (Kandivli) to Bandra Kurla Complex and Thakur Complex/ Village to Bandra Kurla Complex – initially there were barely five passengers but now it has 50 per cent ridership.
A break-up of travellers studied over a period of time has revealed that out of over 20 passengers, 12 were using vehicles to commute to work and back, around three of them used to travel in first class of suburban locals, which have ‘inhuman travelling conditions’ during rush hours, some used to travel in a taxi, etc.
The shift of 12 car users into one bus has managed to reduce 12 vehicles off Mumbai’s roads.
The tickets for per direction of travel was also reduced from Rs140 to Rs100.
As per the thumb rule, three two-wheelers occupy the same space as a light vehicle. While three light vehicle take the same area as a bus.
Authorities say even though reducing 12 private vehicles from roads is not a good figure, but is surely an indicator of people especially car users ready to pay Rs100 to a quality and stress free travel.
