In Noida and Greater Noida, the UPSRTC improves transportation connection with 60 new buses.
In Noida and Greater Noida, the UPSRTC improves transportation connection with 60 new buses.
In a significant move to improve transport connectivity in Noida and Greater Noida, the Uttar Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has added 60 new buses to its existing fleet. These buses, which commenced operations on July 16, aim to cater to the growing transportation needs of the region. The addition of these buses comes after repeated requests from the UPSRTC Noida Depot for increased resources, as the demand for efficient and reliable public transport has been on the rise.
NP Singh, the assistant regional manager of UPSRTC Noida Depot, expressed their long-standing request for additional buses from the transport department. Before the introduction of the new fleet, the Noida depot was operating with 144 buses, while the Greater Noida depot had 137 buses. The 60 new buses have been strategically allocated to both depots, expanding their connectivity to key destinations such as Lucknow, Chandausi, Bulandshahr, Dadri, Vrindavan, Etah, Haridwar, Agra, and Bijnor.
Manoj Kumar, the regional manager of UPSRTC, explained that the 60 new CNG buses, 36 for Noida and 24 for Greater Noida, have been integrated into existing and new routes. This integration aims to provide passengers with improved connectivity and accessibility to various destinations.
As a result of the increase in bus availability, the UPSRTC Noida and Greater Noida depots have experienced a surge in passenger numbers. On average, an additional 6,500 passengers now utilise the services of both depots each day.
The Noida depot, which has seen a significant rise in ridership, now caters to approximately 5,000 passengers daily. Meanwhile, the Greater Noida depot accommodates around 1,500 passengers daily on the new routes and buses. To support this expansion and meet the rising demand, the UPSRTC has hired 80 new drivers.
ARM Singh, the responsible authority, highlighted the three categories of drivers—A, B, and C—each assigned to specific routes based on experience and expertise. A-category drivers considered the most experienced, are allocated to the longest routes, such as Noida to Lucknow. These drivers are required to have a minimum of three years of accident-free roadway experience, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers during long journeys.
Despite the positive developments in the transport network, there remains a discrepancy between the increased ridership and online bookings. According to officials, the UPSRTC Noida depots receive only 20 to 25 online bookings daily, despite approximately 35,000 passengers travelling daily from the Noida depot alone.
ARM Singh acknowledged this disparity and expressed the UPSRTC’s efforts to encourage more online bookings. Currently, the Noida depot receives online bookings equivalent to only 40 per cent of the buses’ capacity on average. To incentivize passengers, UPSRTC is actively disseminating information through pamphlets and ticket counters, urging them to utilise the official UPSRTC website for hassle-free online bookings.
Addressing the challenge of low online bookings is essential for streamlining operations, improving passenger convenience, and enhancing overall efficiency in the transportation system. The shift towards online bookings also aligns with the broader digitalization efforts in the country and promotes contactless and secure transactions, particularly during the ongoing pandemic.
As UPSRTC continues to explore avenues for growth and improvement, the introduction of 60 new buses represents a positive step towards meeting the increasing transportation demands of Noida and Greater Noida residents. The corporation’s commitment to providing efficient, safe, and reliable public transport services remains at the core of its mission. The additional buses and efforts to encourage online bookings demonstrate UPSRTC’s dedication to serving the needs of the community and fostering a seamless and convenient travel experience for passengers.
In conclusion, the introduction of 60 new buses by the Uttar Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) in Noida and Greater Noida marks a significant improvement in transport connectivity for the region. With the addition of these buses to the existing fleet, UPSRTC aims to cater to the growing demand for efficient and reliable public transport services. The allocation of the new buses to key destinations enhances connectivity and accessibility for passengers, contributing to the overall development and convenience of the transport network.
While the increase in bus availability has resulted in a surge in passenger numbers, the average number of online bookings remains relatively low. The UPSRTC Noida depots receive only 20 to 25 online bookings daily, despite approximately 35,000 passengers travelling from the Noida depot daily. To address this discrepancy and promote digitalization, UPSRTC is actively encouraging passengers to utilise the official website for hassle-free online bookings. This shift towards online bookings aligns with broader digitalization efforts and enhances convenience for passengers.
As UPSRTC continues to expand and improve its services, it remains committed to providing efficient, safe, and reliable public transport options. The introduction of the 60 new buses reflects the corporation’s dedication to meeting the transportation needs of the community and fostering a seamless and convenient travel experience for passengers. By striving to bridge the gap between ridership and online bookings, UPSRTC aims to create a more efficient and passenger-centric transport system in Noida and Greater Noida.
