Transport minister GS Bali on Saturday said that more low ticket price buses would be plied on different routes across the state if the oil prices continued to slip.
"We have already fixed the ticket price of buses being plied under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), 25% to 40% less than the normal fare," said Bali, while addressing a press conference in Kangra.
If oil prices slip further, Bali said, more low-fare buses would be plied across the state to benefit the common masses.
The transport minister claimed that the low-fare buses being plied in the state under JNNRUM had become very popular among the people and around 500 more buses would be added in the fleet by March 31.
The state has been sanctioned over 800 buses under the scheme, the minister added. Bali also assured the private bus operators to implement new policy for their benefit.
"The private bus operators need not worry due to the new fleet being added in the state's transportation system. The government will also protect their interests and implement a new policy for them," said Bali.
He said to provide transport facility in every nook and corner and far-flung areas of the state, the government would issue route permit to the interested private parties.
{{/usCountry}}He said to provide transport facility in every nook and corner and far-flung areas of the state, the government would issue route permit to the interested private parties.
{{/usCountry}}"Our motto is to provide safe and low cost transport to the general public by promoting competition between public and private sector," said Bali. The minister also announced to start four new Volvo bus routes connecting important stations of the state and national capital- Delhi.
Bali said that directions had been issued to provide best facilities to the passengers in state-run buses and if complaints were received in future strict action would be initiated against the erring officers.