Dharwad BRTS staff bear brunt of depot shift

<p>Dharwad: For years, passengers have been complaining about the facilities and operational failures of the Hubballi-Dharwad Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). Now, even staff members have been criticising the system for inadequate amenities and poor working conditions.</p>.<p>Drivers point to a lack of restrooms, while ticketing personnel highlight spending additional hours travelling to collect and return devices. In addition, the supporting staff members have their own version of woes to pour in. They say shifting of depot operations from Dharwad to Hubballi has added to their difficulties.</p>.Bengaluru: Public transport staff's stir demanding wage revision cripples BMTC, KSRTC operations.<p>The restroom at the Dharwad New Bus Stand, which was earlier available for drivers after their shifts at night hours, is now being used by NWKRTC city depot staff, leaving no vacant rooms for BRTS drivers most of the time.</p>.<p>With no alternative accommodation available, some drivers are forced to spend their rest hours at night inside buses parked at New Bus Stand in Dharwad. Employees have raised concerns over poor ventilation and cockroach infestation in the buses, making them difficult to get sound sleep. </p>.<p>Voicing their concerns, some drivers said the difficulties extend beyond accommodation. The BRTS terminal near Jubilee Circle in Dharwad receives water only twice a week, while cleanliness remains a concern.</p>.<p>Ticketing personnel belonging to Dharwad depot and posted at different counters also face additional travel, as they have to visit Gokul Road depot in Hubballi to collect and return ticketing machines and other devices. This reportedly adds nearly two hours to their daily routine.</p>.KKRTC bus operations disrupted due to diesel shortage .<p>The operational issues affect commuters the most, apart from the staff. Many passengers allege that the frequency of buses in the evening hours, particularly from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm, is very low. Reason: many buses ply to Gokul Road depot for cleaning and maintenance during work hours. </p>.<p>BRTS drivers, who do not want to be named, said they are skipping a trip every day, as they have to take their buses to the Gokul Road depot for cleaning and dusting, as the maintenance facility is no longer available at Dharwad New Bus Stand. Due to this, the waiting time has increased for passengers during peak hours.</p>.<p>Responding to the concerns, NWKRTC Managing Director Keerthana H S said she had recently taken charge. As BRTS operations and maintenance fall under the NWKRTC’s purview, she said she would examine why the depot was shifted and what alternative arrangements had been made for drivers and ticketing staff.</p>.RTC staff threaten stir from Sept 27 if govt fails to pay arrears, meet other demands.<p>She added that infrastructure-related matters fall under the purview of the BRTS managing director, and she will hold discussions with the officials to address the issues faced by employees.</p>.<p>"The crew and fleet are the backbone of the transport corporation," she said, assuring that steps would be taken to address staff concerns based on priority in a phased manner.</p>.<div><blockquote>As BRTS operations and maintenance fall under NWKRTC's purview I will examine why the depot was shifted and what alternative arrangements have been made for drivers and ticketing staff. Steps will be taken to address staff concerns based on priority in a phased manner.</blockquote><span class="attribution">Keerthana H S, NWKRTC Managing Director</span></div>.<div><blockquote>We are skipping a trip almost every day as we have to take our buses to the Gokul road depot for cleaning and dusting as the maintenance facility is no longer available at Dharwad New Bus Stand. </blockquote><span class="attribution"> BRTS drivers</span></div>