The KSRTC Mangaluru Division recently introduced four superfast buses between Mangaluru and Dharmasthala, featuring limited stops and high passenger demand, achieving an 80% occupancy rate. Encouraged by this success, the division is considering similar services on other routes. Rajesh Shetty, senior divisional controller, noted that these buses save passengers about 30 minutes per trip, reducing travel time from 2 hours and 30 minutes to between 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.
The new buses are equipped with mobile charging points, charging points for electronic ticketing machines (ETMs), cameras, and a panic button for passenger safety. Besides the Mangaluru-Dharmasthala route, there is also a day service from Mangaluru to Bailhongal, with plans to launch a similar service between Mangaluru and Bengaluru via Mysuru.
The new services, which started on May 22, have limited stops including Ujire, Belthangady, Guruvayankere, Punjalkatte, Madantyar, and Karinja Cross. Departure times from Mangaluru are at 6:15 AM, 6:40 AM, 7:15 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:45 AM, 11:35 AM, 12:15 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:15 PM, and 6:00 PM. From Dharmasthala, buses depart at 7:45 AM, 8:15 AM, 8:45 AM, 9:10 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:15 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 6:30 PM.
Despite the successful launch, a staff shortage poses challenges for further expansion. The division needs 260 drivers and conductors but currently manages with about 200 contract employees, often facing operational difficulties due to absenteeism. The recruitment process for 2,000 staff members is ongoing, with hopes to complete it by October to enable more service schedules.