UP likely to introduce new transport system

Govt to cut ticket fares, run city buses on CNG

In a bid to better utilise its surface transport facility, the Uttar Pradesh government has chalked out a comprehensive strategy including commencing new bus services and a reduction in ticket fares.

"The year 2006 is being observed as Yatri Suvidha Varsh with a focus on making road travel more convenient for passengers," State Transport Minister Naresh Agrawal told reporters.

He said that the government was mooting a cut in ticket fares by 10 per cent for the daytime and 20 per cent for night journeys.

"In addition to this, attempts would be made to reduce the journey time of long-distance bus services, which may include doing away with several halts," he said.

"About 250 fully air-conditioned buses will soon be plying on the road as part of the Shatabdi bus service, connecting major cities of Uttar Pradesh," State Transport Minister Naresh Agrawal said, adding that a city bus service would soon be introduced for Allahabad.

Agrawal also announced that the city buses in Lucknow and Kanpur would be converted from diesel to CNG to keep air pollution under check.