Thiruvananthapuram: The KSRTC has issued norms to avoid uneconomic services to tide over the financial problems of the corporation.
As per a circular issued by G. Anilkumar, executive director, south zone, to unit officers under his zone, out of the 2,264 schedules, only 1,914 schedules have to be operated even on peak days.
The circular was issued as per the instruction from chairman and managing director M.P. Dinesh. The south zone comprises depots under Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts.
On other days, the maximum number of schedules that can be operated is 1,850. He has also asked for the cancellation of 20 percent services on holidays. If more services are operated resulting in losses to the KSRTC, action will be initiated against the unit officers. Priority should be given to schedules that have more collection. The services in routes in Pool A and B will be given priority over pool C and D. Services with daily collection of less than Rs 5,000 and those with earnings of less than Rs 30 per km should be discontinued.
Such circulars have been issued in other zones also. At present KSRTC operates 5,400 services in three zones-- south, central and north. Of the total schedules, nearly, 40 percent are in south zone.
The cut will also help in reducing the fuel cost with the company reportedly spending Rs 3.5 crore for diesel. To reduce the expenditure by Rs 2.5 crore, KSRTC has to reduce the running distance.
