MSRTC scouts for firm to set up info screens at bus stands

MSRTC is looking to rope in a company to set up liquid crystal display screens along with the required hardware and software without incurring any expenditure on its own in exchange for advertising rights

A glitzy public information system will be set up at major state public bus transport bus stations to help commuters with information.

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is looking to rope in a company to set up liquid crystal display screens along with the required hardware and software without incurring any expenditure on its own in exchange for advertising rights.

The on-screen information will be complemented by audio announcements.

"Besides major bus stands such as Dadar and Swargate, we are looking at installing this system at bus stands of all district headquarters and major taluks such as Karad," Mukund Dhus, a MSRTC spokesperson said on Sunday.

The system would be installed at 280 of the 575 MSRTC bus stations in the state.

The public transport utility has called for separate bids for Dadar bus station under Dadar TT flyover, and the other 279 bus stations.

The agreement would be for five years.

The MSRTC ferries 65 lakh passengers daily and earns Rs 255 crore a year.

Its fleet of 16,000 buses run 190 crore kilometre every year.

The city's public bus transport provider, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, has struck a similar deal with a private company to install a public information system inside its buses and at bus stops in exchange for advertising rights.

The MSRTC is also trying to set up pantries inside its air-conditioned buses to sell snacks to commuters.

"We are still working on the idea and trying to figure out how much space would be required inside the bus for the pantry and number of seats that will have to be removed," Dhus added.

ALSO READ

Two Kabir Kala Manch members arrested after four-hour ‘wait’

No blocks left as MMRDA gets right of way for freeway stretch

Best of both worlds

It’s home sweat home for these Mhada lottery winners