Gurugram: Gurugaman – the city bus service has resumed its operation on Thursday after a gap of three months owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to an official, the city bus services would resume gradually in three phases.
On Wednesday, the district administration granted permission to Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Limited (GMCBL) to start its operations. The decision came after witnessing the difficulty of people to move from one place to another in Gurugram.
In the first phase, the city bus service will become operational on six routes with a fleet of 68 buses.
The routes include 212 – Basai Chowk to HUDA City Centre; route no. 134 D – Iffco Chowk to IMT Manesar; route no. 112D – Gurugram Bus Stand to Sec 56; route no. 218 – Gurugram Bus Stand to Sohna; route no. 116F – Rajesh Pilot Chowk to Railway Station; route no. 122 – Gurugram Bus Stand to Sikanderpur Metro.
Buses will be sanitised before embarking on the routes to prevent corona infection. Apart from this, buses will operate with 50 per cent seating capacity only. The time table of buses can be changed based on the number of passengers next week. After 10 days, the time table of buses, number of buses and routes can be changed keeping in view the number of passengers in the third phase.
“GMBCL would be following the guidelines issued by the Union Home Ministry and social distancing norms will be adhered to. Buses will be operating with 50 per cent seating capacity,” read the statement issued by GMCBL.
Buses would be sanitised prior to their running and abide by the Standard Operating Procedures.
The officials said that GMCBL has worked out detailed SOP guidelines that would apply to Bus Drivers, CSA’s, Passengers, Depot Staff and special measures for creating public awareness.
Passenger advisory banners have been put up at four main bus stops including Iffco Chowk, Hero Honda, Gurugram Bus Stand and near Mini Secretariat for safe travel.
Passengers would strictly follow social distancing while wearing masks and having Aarogya Setu mobile application will be mandatory.
“Based on the passenger data and feedback during phase 1 operation, the number of buses and routes as well as time table shall be modified in the second week to meet the public requirement. The Phase III operation will be based on the passenger data and feedback during the phase II operation. The number of buses and routes as well as time table shall be modified in the third week or after 10 days from the phase II to meet the public requirement,” the official said.
