Kottayam: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has set up an air-conditioned sleeper bus for the employees to take rest during the night.
The KSRTC is providing this facility for employees free of cost. The bus has been brought to the depot. This is the first staff sleeper bus in the district. Bus drivers and conductors can sleep or take rest in this new facility between trips in the night.
Old buses, set to be condemned, have been modified to provide the facility. The modifying works were carried out at the workshop at Mavelikara depot.
A sleeper bus was first readied at the Perumbavoor bus depot for drivers, who ferried passengers from the Cochin International Airport in the KSRTC buses during the initial days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The same model is being followed here.
The bus can accommodate 16 employees in two decks. The air-conditioned bus will have a dining table for four people, washbasin, fan, light and lockers for all 16 crew members.
The KSRTC had arranged two sleeper buses for tourists in Munnar two months ago. Those staying in the bus could use the washroom at the depot. The daily rate levied for a single bed in Munnar was Rs 100.
Trying to keep up with the changing time
Similar new proposals are also awaiting nod. Authorities said that other proposals, such as a food truck and shop outlets, are also under consideration. Eight people would be able to dine in at the food truck which would be set up on the buses.
District transport officer V Mohammed Abdul Nassar said that the KSRTC was trying to keep up with the changing times.
"The issues faced by the employees are being resolved. The Kottayam depot building would be renovated to house modern facilities. There has been a positive response from the passengers over the city circular service. We are also bringing in more changes to ensure regular passengers,” he explained.