Buses for pilgrims to Sabarimala

HYDERABAD: The AP State Road Transport corporation is coming forward with new initiatives to benefit passengers as well as the corporation.It is planning to operate more number of buses to Sabrimala, the abode of Lord Ayyappa, to increase its income.RTC managing director B Prasada Rao issued orders to all regional managers and other officials to take steps for operating more buses to Sabarimala.The RTC is also offering special tariff for special buses at the rate of Rs 31 per kilometre for Super Luxury, Rs 30 for Deluxe, Rs 30 for Express, Rs 28 for Palle Velugu and Rs 28 for Saptagiri buses instead of the normal tariff of Rs 33, Rs 32, Rs 35 and Rs 32 respectively.According to officials, there was good response to last year's operations to Sabarimala.The officials are expecting more income this year.The RTC has reduced minimum chargeable kilometres from 480 to 420 for Sabarimala package this year.Guru Swamis, RTC Nestams and RTC agents can book buses to Sabarimala.The special tariff will be available till December 31.The commission on booking of buses payable to agents and others has been enhanced and is as follows: Rs 250 per bus per day for booking up to three buses, Rs 300 for four or five buses and Rs 350 for booking more than five buses.The RTC has decided to allow two Manikantas (less than 10 years of age) one cook and one boy to take care of the luggage free of cost on each bus.