Bhubaneswar: Private bus operators in Odisha are reportedly planning to discontinue their services over mounting losses they are incurring due to low number of passengers.
The buses that remained off roads following the enforcement of lockdown in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, resumed services May 28 after easing of restrictions by the government. However, the resumption of the services has not proven to be a relief but instead has compounded their problems, said bus owners.
The operators said that the buses running in long routes are getting low footfall as people are apprehensive about using public transport due to fear of contracting the virus.
As a result, the bus operators are failing to meet basic operating expenses like fuel and salary of the staff let alone profits, they said.
The operators said that they are suffering losses between Rs 12,000 and Rs 15,000 per day. The buses running during nights are the worst-hit, they said.
Umesh Pradhan, owner of Sarala Bus travels said, “I have about 50 buses on different routes. In case of superfast buses, our expenses are between Rs 15,000 and Rs 17,000, but the earning is too less. If the situation continues, the private bus services will completely stop in the next eight to 10 days.”
PNN/Agencies