CITY BUS SERVICE IN MATHURA

Mathura

 

A local city bus service for the twin-towns of Vrindavan and Mathura has finally been launched. The initial hiccups notwithstanding, due to narrow-encroached roads and higher ticket rates compared to share-autos, the bus service will soon fill a vital communication gap and provide a relief to students.

 

On Saturday, only 25 buses were on the road instead of 50 that were promised. Many of the buses did not attract passengers as the share autos continued to draw passengers because of the low fares.

 

But these are early days, say officials. "The students going to various colleges on Mathura-Vrindavan road and hundreds of pilgrims between the two towns, will soon patronise the buses," a JNNRUM official said.

 

For the first time, citizens of Mathura are enjoying safe, convenient and affordable local city bus service.

 

A fleet of 50 buses has become operational under the JNNRUM, according to ARM  RC Yadav. The rates had been fixed at Rs 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 according to distance.

 

The city buses will connect Vrindavan, Gokul Barrage and the Yamuna Expressway.

 

Buses will be available from 7am to 9pm.

 

For pilgrims going to Vrindavan, it will be a great facility, said Vrindavan resident  Kunj Bihari Sharma.

 

But whether the problem of traffic jams would be further complicated or addressed, is a question left to the police to answer, commented activist-author Ashok Bansal.

 

Passengers wanted Goverdhan too connected by the bus service. "The bus service should also connect Gokul across the Yamuna," said home maker Rani Devi, of Dampier Nagar.