As the State’s borders open up as part of Unlock 4, Vasco MLA and KTC Chairman Carlos Almeida said the KTC awaits government guidelines for the resumption of inter-state transportation.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Almeida also said shuttle services connecting Vasco with Panaji and Margao had been temporarily suspended during non-peak hours.
"As far as inter-state sector is considered, our buses are ready and on standby, but we are awaiting MHA guidelines to operate the buses. Once the guidelines are available, the State government can then formulate its own SOPs, after which we will take a call. We are awaiting the State government’s SOP regarding inter-state travel," said Almeida.
"As far as KTC shuttle service is concerned, we had started the services but we are running into big losses. The KTC depends on the State government for finances and salaries, which work out to around Rs 9.5 crore a month. We then decided to save fuel and we initially reduced the buses for shuttle service during non-peak hours and finally stopped the service during non-peak hours and after 7 pm as well," said Almeida.
"Sometimes, we have to make a trip to Margao or Panaji with just two passengers, which makes the trip unviable and hence, we decided to save money on fuel costs. Ultimately, we are saving public money by not plying the KTC shuttle service during non-peak hours," added Almeida.
