Thiruvananthapuram: Drivers and conductors of KSRTC buses can’t stop at their individually preferred restaurants or eateries anymore to have food for the passengers. The KSRTC would soon publish a list of hotels outside the bus stands where the buses could be stopped during long-distance trips. Meanwhile, the unit officers have been instructed to exhibit the list of hotels behind the driver’s cabin for the passengers.
Besides the names of the hotels, the list would also include the estimated arrival time at these hotels. Buses usually stop at hotels for breakfast between 7.30 am and 9.30 am, and lunch stops are between 12.30 pm and 2 pm. Evening breaks are between 4 pm and 6 pm, while the buses stop for dinner between 8 pm and 11 pm. The departure time after having food at the restaurant should also be informed to the passengers.
Complaints about food quality
In August, KSRTC decided to stop for food only at pre-approved hotels. The corporation had also invited restaurant applications after many complaints about facilities at stopover restaurants surfaced, especially from women. One-year contracts will be drawn with restaurants with at least two years of operational experience and can provide a pleasing dining service. The key requirements demanded from restaurants were
1) Quality vegetarian and non-vegetarian food at affordable rates.
2) Clean toilets, restrooms and kitchens
3) Seats for at least 50 diners
4) Parking space for two buses
Tea and coffee on long-distance buses
Early this year, KSRTC also announced a project to serve tea, coffee, snacks, bottled water, and similar refreshments in long-distance buses to address passengers' complaints about a lack of refreshment options. They also plan to keep a vending machine to serve beverages. The corporation is yet to finalise the method of collecting payment. The facilities were to be implemented first in Swift buses to Mangaluru, Bengaluru, and Mysuru.