After the lockdown restrictions were revoked in Lucknow, the public transport facilities revived across the city roads after a long halt on Wednesday. Reportedly, 84 buses operated on the first day, which includes 50 CNG buses from the Gomti Nagar Depot and 34 electric buses from the Dubagga Station. Given the current circumstances, a low count of commuters undertook bus journeys and reports state only 22% of the seats were occupied on an average.
50 more buses to be deployed when demand rises
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Reportedly, the managing director of City Transport, Pallav Bose, informed that the buses have started running on the prior routes. With the increase in daily commuters, 50 more buses shall be deployed on the city routes when the need arises. Further, it has been reported that MST counters at Charbagh, Gomti Nagar and Dubagga will be opened soon for students, women and elderlies, facilitating them to take concession benefits.
In addition to the buses, auto, tempos and e-rickshaws also resumed functioning across many areas. As per reports, a large of travellers were witnessed in these vehicles, at Chowk, Medical College Chauraha, Charbagh, Munshipulia, Polytechnic, amongst other. Reportedly, COVID guidelines are not being followed by most vehicle owners and this has raised a cause of concern for the city administration.
Inter-city buses witness more commuters than expected
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With the relaxed inner-city travel, the bus stops observed a large count of commuters on Wednesday. Among the 24 buses that departed from Lucknow, most carried more citizens than it was expected. Reports state that all four bus stops had deployed proper checks in view of the pandemic. While all passengers had to undergo thermal scanning, unmasked individuals were not allowed in the bus.
As per reports, maximum passengers were seen in buses bound for Gorakhpur, Azamgarh and Ballia. Besides, significant counts of commuters were also witnessed in Varanasi and Prayagraj buses. As of now, inter-state buses to Delhi, Bihar and Uttarakhand are not allowed and the authorities are trying to seek permission from the administration to revive these facilities.
