PANJIM: The interstate bus service operated by the State-owned Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd (KTCL) in Goa appears to fall short of expectations, with passengers constantly complaining about infrequent buses, limited concessions, and an overall disorganised system. The need for a robust public transport system is particularly pronounced in Goa, where alternative transport modes such as auto rickshaws and taxis charge exorbitant fares and are poorly distributed, especially in rural areas.
Daily bus commuters believe KTCL could learn from States like Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, which offer free bus trips for local women on State-owned buses. This initiative aims to empower women by offering them independence, reducing expenses, and improving their job prospects. In contrast, local women passengers in Goa, especially homemakers from low-income backgrounds, have no choice but to pay full bus fares.
On a positive note, Goan students can avail of the half-ticket system even while pursuing their master’s degrees. In other States, the 50% bus fare concession is often limited to children below 12 years of age.
KTCL’s general manager, N S Naik, highlighted the various benefits of travelling by KTCL buses, many of which are not widely known. “There are several concessions, such as free tickets for freedom fighters, blind people, cancer patients, HIV and AIDS patients, children up to two years of age, and differently abled individuals. Reservations for female seats began in 2012 after the Nirbhaya case. Although we started some women’s buses in 2013, only one women’s bus is currently running, due to poor response,” Naik said.
He added that daily KTCL commuters receive a 60% concession pass, while students can avail of a 70% discount.
Roland Martins, coordinator of the consumer group GOACAN, suggested numbering certain routes to increase their popularity. “Concessions in bus fares are not a prerogative of the KTCL but depend on financial support from the State government. Except for the mandatory 50% concession for students, other concessions are based on a reimbursement formula implemented by the Directorate of Social Welfare,” Martins explained. Martins also called for measures against revenue leakage. “Sometimes, the fare is collected without issuing a ticket. Ticket checkers were introduced but are rarely found at origin or destination stops. Complaint books need to be introduced at all bus stands, and a proper analysis of the complaints, including those received by email and WhatsApp, needs to be conducted,” he said.
According to GOACAN, bus services must meet the CASE criteria: Comfortable, Affordable, Safe, and Efficient. “The KTCL, being State-owned and the largest bus operator in Goa, must adhere to these criteria,” Martins said.
