Smart city e-bus service; to ensure fair payment, discourage fare evasion

SHAKEELA ANDRABI

SRINAGAR: Srinagar City’s e-bus transport system has announced a measure to check fare evasion and ensure a fair system for passengers, saying those travelling without tickets or passes will now have to pay fine of ten times the legal fare or a flat fine of Rs 500, officials said on Wednesday.
The penalty clauses outlined by the Smart City authorities, specify that under Penal Action 178, passengers found travelling without a valid ticket or pass can face fines up to Rs 500. Additionally, Penal Action 178/1 addresses misbehaviour, obstruction to checking officers in the discharge of their duties, and refusal to provide information also carry fines up to Rs 500.
Stressing on the importance of adherence to fare regulations, officials clarified that the legal fare will be calculated from the originating point to the destination of the passenger’s trip.
As per the Srinagar Smart City’s intercity E-Bus fare matrix, the fare structure has been established as Up to 0-3 Km: Rs 10, 03-05 Km: Rs 15, 05-10 Km: Rs 20, 10-15 Km: Rs 25, 15-20 Km: Rs 30, 20-25 Km: Rs 35 and 25-30 Km: Rs 40.
The official said that these measures aim to ensure fair payment for transportation services and discourage fare evasion. “Commuters are urged to comply with these regulations to avoid penalties and support the city’s efforts toward a reliable and equitable transportation system”, said an official.
Meanwhile, with the increasing demand, the authorities have started the process to procure additional 25 electric buses for Srinagar.
Pertinently, the administration had announced the procurement of 200 e-buses, 100 each for Srinagar and Jammu cities. However, only 75 have been introduced so far while a process to introduce more 25 e-buses has been started.
Chief Engineer, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), Er Abdul Qayoom Kirmani said that out of the initial target of 100 e-buses, only 75 e-buses are presently operational and that they are planning to procure around 25 more e-buses of 12 meter length.
“Of the 75 available smart e-buses for Srinagar city, three are designated as backup in the event of any issues with the operational fleet. 25 e-buses, most likely of 12 meter length, will be added to the existing bus fleet,” official of SSCL stated.
He added that some among the total 25 have reached Jammu. “Some of the buses have already reached Jammu and are under registration process. Once done with paper work they will be added to the fleet,” he said, adding all the 25 e-buses are expected to reach Srinagar by March.
The officials said currently, the e-buses in operation offer a seating capacity of 23, with 17 seats allocated for men and 6 reserved for ladies and disabled passengers. Er. Kirmani said that their eco-friendly mobility aims to bolster public transportation infrastructure in Srinagar for a better commuting experience.He highlighted the importance of incorporating public feedback into their mobility initiatives, emphasizing the city’s dedication to enhancing urban transportation accessibility.
“By expanding the e-bus fleet, Srinagar aims to not only reduce its carbon footprint but also provide convenient and reliable transportation options for commuters,” he said.