Thiruvananthapuram | Keralam's public carrier KSRTC has invited bus sponsorships from institutions and individuals as part of the state government's 100-day action plan to improve public transport facilities.
The initiative aims to strengthen services, including in rural areas, and replace buses that have completed their service life, an official statement said on Tuesday.
Local self-government institutions, cooperative bodies, companies, trusts, social organisations, clubs and business establishments can sponsor buses, besides using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, according to the guidelines issued by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).
The Corporation will accept buses ranging from nine to 15 metres in length, including AC premium, AC seater, AC sleeper, Super Fast and Fast Passenger buses.
Sponsors can either directly purchase and hand over the vehicle or provide the required amount to KSRTC. In the latter case, the corporation will procure the bus through tender procedures, it said.
The sponsored buses will be registered in the name of the KSRTC Managing Director and will subsequently become permanent assets of the corporation.
KSRTC will retain full control over the operation and maintenance of the buses, including repairs, insurance, ticket revenue and deployment of employees, the statement said.
Routes suggested by sponsors will be considered if they are intended to replace existing services. New services will be considered only if fuel expenses and basic infrastructure are provided with the support of local self-government institutions.
A separate memorandum of understanding may be signed for the purpose. However, KSRTC will retain the right to alter routes and schedules based on financial conditions and public requirements, it said.
Sponsors will be allowed to display advertisements on the buses for 10 years.
However, religious, political, illegal or divisive advertisements will not be permitted. Advertisement designs will require prior approval from KSRTC.
The sponsored buses will have the same colour scheme as other KSRTC buses. Sponsors will be informed in advance if any changes to the vehicle's appearance are required, the statement added.