Udupi: Free bus service on six routes around the city by Ganeshotsava Samithi, Kadiyali and Aasare Charitable Trust was launched in Udupi on Monday, May 25.

Dakshina Kannada MP and BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel was launched the week-long free bus service. There will be over 12 buses that will ply on six routes of Udupi and Brahmavar.

Udupi MLA Ragupathi Bhat at the inauguration said, the sponcers paying the driver for his service and the fuel expenses will be also paid. This service is specifically launched for people who are working on a daily basis. They are the people who earn minimal wages and cannot afford to travel by private transport. Hearing their concern, we have commenced this service. Necessary arrangement to gather passenger details is made. The free bus service will be on a trial basis for one week.

“I am thankful to all bus owners who have extended their service during these disturbing times without expecting anything in return.

Speaking on the occasion the BJP state president said, Ganeshotsava Samithi and Aasare Charitable Trust has become a role model for the state initiating such social measures. The bus operators will gain a sense of confidence and in the coming days they will run the buses on their own.

The buses service will available  Hoode-Thottam-Malpe-Udupi-Manipal-Parkala,  Hoode-Kemmannu-Santhekatte-Cherkady-Pethri-Brahmavar, Alevoor-Korangrapady- Udupi-Manipal-Rajatadri-Udupi-Diana-Alevoor,  Sampige Nagar-Kadekar-Ambalpady-Udupi-Manipal-Parkala, Pragati Nagar-Manipal-Udupi-Kalsank-Gundibail-Doddanagudde-Perampalli Church, Malpe-Gardimajalu-Santhekatte-Udupi;Kalathur-Santhekatte-Cherkady-Pethri-Brahmavar, A new experimental automated ticketing system has been introduced in these buses. Passengers will be given the free ‘Chalo Card’ which will be used during travel in these buses.

The rechargeable card must be brought near the machine installed in the bus and the conductor will give a printed ticket to the passengers.

Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat, Udupi ZP president Dinakar Babu, BJP leader Yashpal Suvarna and others were also present.

Udupi MP Shoba Karandlaje inaugurated the free bus service at the Brahmavar bus stop, also sponsored by Sarvajanika Ganeshotsava Samithi, Kadyali.