Busports to replace bus terminals in the state

Kochi: As part of measures to attract people to use public transport, prominent bus stations in Kerala will be upgraded as 'busports'. The new facility will have infrastructure on par with airports. Government has asked PricewaterhouseCoopers to prepare a DPR for setting up Kerala's first such facility in Kochi.

The facility would be operated on public-private partnership (PPP) basis. Amenities would include a waiting area, eateries, well-maintained toilets etc.

Kochi Metro Rail Limited and Axis Bank have inked an agreement with seven private bus companies that together operate 1,100 buses in Greater Kochi area. The pact was to extend Kochi metro's Kochi-1 prepaid inter-modal card to the buses as well.

K.R. Jyothilal, Principal Secretary, Transport announced the plans to launch a native online taxi/autorickshaw service in the State by August.

A draft electric vehicle policy would be unveiled shortly, he said. He also revealed plans to introduce conductor-less KSRTC buses so that operational expenses of the board can be cut short.