Aurangabad, April 28:
Strict restrictions are currently being imposed on the backdrop of coronavirus. Hence state transport buses are running only for this essential service. But even after standing for a couple of hours at the bus stand, the buses are failing to get enough passengers.
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has a fleet of 500 buses in Aurangabad district. But many buses are now parked in the bus depot as it is not feasible to ply buses for four to five passengers. The buses wait on the bus stand for an hour and a half for passengers. Eventually, the handful of commuters have to wait for hours in the bus. Hence many then opt for private vehicles and other return to their homes without travelling. On Wednesday, five labourers had come to the central bus stand to go to Bhusawal. The bus had not arrived even after sitting for hours. The security guard informed them that the bus has been cancelled. The workers wanted to return to the village in Uttar Pradesh by train from Bhusawal. Eventually, all of them left for Bhusawal in a private vehicle, paying Rs 700 each. Also, the drivers and conductors are called for duty despite the bus being cancelled.
Passengers wait for hours
A Jalna bound bus was parked at the Cidco bus stand at 12.45 pm on Wednesday for passengers going for emergency services. There was a lone passenger in the bus. After waiting for an hour, the passenger was informed that the bus will not leave until more passengers arrive. Finally, he got off the bus and left.
Priority to essential services
At present, 90 per cent buses are closed. Only 5 buses ran on Tuesday that generated revenue of Rs 5000-6000. Buses are running for health workers, government employees and police. Essential services may be needed at any time. With this in mind, drivers are being called to the depot, said Arun Sia, divisional controller.