A solution to seemingly perpetual crisis faced by Kerala
State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) requires an out-of-the box approach.
With the almost cylindrical pricing (fare) and burgeoning
human and operational expenses; there exist no straight jacket solution.
A possible way would be to broaden the perspective of
the meaning of the word 'Road' in Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.
What constrains the Government from expanding 'road' to
encompass all modes of hard surface transport that operates in the state? Why
does it hover around buses only?
KSRTC should become the single point operator that handles every vehicle that is owned/ hired by any Government/ Autonomous institutions/ Government funded projects, etc.
Private players earn handsome profits by renting out vehicles
(cars, mini buses, etc.) to almost all Government Departments. All such private
transport hire should be routed through KSRTC.
KSRTC should initiate uber/ola type cab service. They can
seek help from retired drivers, ex-military, etc. Excess staff, if any can be
redeployed in this venture.
Supporting Government orders like official reimbursement for car hire if linked to such cab service will constructively aid stabilization.
Government of India has resorted to similar measures to help Air India. Then the common mans carrier (KSRTC) deserves same consideration.
These come with added responsibility, but facilitates
organizational sustainability.
In the
long-term, something innovative like Dynamic Route Scheduling (DRS) needs to be developed.
Sustainability of KSRTC has a bearing on the state's carbon foot print. Apart from being a commoner, my specific interest in this has a bearing to academics of sustainability
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