Kundapura: Bus operators yet to restart services on many routes

Kundapura: Commuters here are still facing problems due to the limited number of buses available.

Bus operations were shut down due to the lockdown induced by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after resuming operation in Unlock 2.0, the bus traffic is yet to reach the pre-lockdown level.

This problem was evident since the beginning of this week. Graduate colleges reopened on Monday and students were seen waiting for an hour to get to college.

The lack of bus services mostly affected rural students from Amasbail, Halady, Hosangady, Siddapur, Kollur, Vandse, Neerakkatte, Hattiangadi, Trasi, Mullikatte, Hemmadi and Tallur.

Some students had to reach college hiring autorickshaws after waiting for more than an hour.

The problem is likely to get worse after pre-university colleges and high schools are also reopened.

Reportedly, bus operators have only put out 80 per cent of the buses to service.

“Almost all buses plying in the morning from rural areas to Kundapur are fully packed with passengers. We travel in them by hanging outside bus. Bus operators must arrange for additional buses during rush hours,” said one college student.

“KSRTC buses are plying in most of the areas in Kundapura taluk. Wherever the demand for bus service increases we will increase them there. As all educational institutions will be in full swing soon, additional buses will be launched accordingly,” said Kundapur KSRTC Depot Manager Rajesh.