Aurangabad, Oct 20:
Before lockdown, 140 travel buses were plying daily to various cities from Aurangabad. But at present only 40 buses are running and that also with 50 per cent seating capacity. Hence the travel operators have to face financial difficulties. With the festive season in mind, there is a growing demand for full-capacity passenger transport from operators.
Due to the lockdown announced in the background of Covid-19, the travel business was closed for 5 months. The private buses were allowed to start operations from the city from September 2. Buses are running daily to Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Solapur, Latur and other cities. However, Covid-19 has reduced the number of travelers. Therefore, only 40 buses are currently plying daily. Passengers are being transported in the bus at 50 per cent of the seating capacity. Hence only 10 to 15 passengers are being transported in each bus. Private transporters say that they are facing financial difficulties due to this.
Full capacity permission required
Currently, only 40 buses out of 140 run daily from the city. Attempts are being made to allow full capacity passenger transport from travels on the backdrop of Diwali. It is expected to be approved soon, said Rajan Houzwala, president of the Bus Owners and Travels Agents Welfare Association.