KSRTC issues guidelines for new scheme aimed at boosting revenue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of the state government’s 100-day action plan, KSRTC has introduced an opportunity for sponsorship to improve public transport facilities. Various institutions and individuals can sponsor buses for the corporation to provide better travel facilities, including in rural areas, and to put new buses on the roads in place of vehicles that have completed their service life. KSRTC has issued detailed guidelines for the scheme.

Local self-government institutions, cooperative institutions, companies, trusts, social organisations, clubs and commercial establishments can donate buses, through CSR funds. The scheme covers AC premium buses measuring 9 to 15 metres in length, as well as AC seaters, AC sleepers, Super-Fast and Fast Passenger buses. Sponsors can either purchase the vehicles directly and hand them over to KSRTC or transfer the required amount to the corporation. If financial assistance is provided instead, KSRTC itself will purchase the vehicle through tender procedures.

Corporation will have full control
Buses received through sponsorship will be registered in the name of the KSRTC Managing Director. They will become permanent assets of the corporation. KSRTC will have full authority over matters including vehicle maintenance, insurance, ticket revenue and the appointment of employees. If the routes suggested by sponsors are intended to replace existing services, necessary arrangements will be made accordingly. If a new service is requested, it will be considered only if fuel expenses and basic infrastructure are made available with the support of local self-government institutions. A separate memorandum of understanding (MoU) may be signed for this purpose. However, KSRTC will retain the authority to make changes to the timetable and routes based on the corporation’s financial situation and public requirements.

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Those who sponsor a bus will be allowed to display advertisements on the vehicle for 10 years. Subject to the stipulated conditions, advertisements can cover up to 60% of the exterior of the bus, excluding the front portion and windows. Advertisements will also be permitted on up to 30% of the interior space.

In addition, the sponsor can have the words ‘Sponsored by’ along with the institution’s name displayed on the vehicle. However, religious, political, illegal or sectarian advertisements will not be permitted. Advertisement designs must receive prior approval from the corporation.

The sponsored buses will have the same colour scheme as KSRTC’s other buses. If any modification to the vehicle’s appearance is required, the sponsor will be informed in advance.