KATHMANDU, Aug 17: It´s official! Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is launching night bus service in the city from Friday. KMC in coordination with the Federation of Nepalese Transport Entrepreneurs (FNTE) and Metropolitan Police Commissioner´s Office (MPCO) will operate 14 night buses in six different routes of Kathmandu and Lalitpur.
KMC chief Kedar Bahadur Adhikari informed that each bus will be equipped with two armed security personnel and a CCTV.
“Though the service will only be run for six months in the initial phase, we will continue it if it proves useful for people compelled to travel during late hours either due to job or emergency situation,” said Adhikari.
While four vehicles will ply along the Ring Road, 10 others will operate along five different routes - Satdobato-Ratnapark, Koteshwar-Sinamangal-New Bus Park, Jorpati-Ratnapark, Kalanki-Ratnapark and Balaju-Ratnapark. The night bus service will be available from 8- 11 pm. The 26-seater buses are distinguished by digital lights and uniformed staff.
Superintendent of Police (SP) at MPCO Bikash Shrestha said that further information about the night bus service can be availed by calling toll free number 100. He also urged the night time commuters to trust MPCO for security as police personnel will be deployed at every bus stop and along the routes. Likewise, MPCO is prepared to escort the vehicles in case of unpleasant eventuality.
As per an agreement between the local body and FNTE, KMC will provide Rs 4.5 million in assistance to FNTE for fuel expenses and staff salary, said FNTE. “We have already received Rs 2 million from KMC. We will also get the remaining Rs 2.5 million within a couple of months,” said Saroj Sitaula, treasurer of FNTE.
The service also aims to create environment for nightlife in the capital, said Sitaula.
Routes of night bus service Kalanki -New Bus Park- Chabahil- Koteshwar-Satdobato- Kalanki Bir Hospital- Bus Park-Bhrikuti Mandap- Krishna Pauroti- Gyaneshwar- Maitidevi- Old Baneshwar -Gaushala- Chabahil- Jorpati
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