The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will be appointing around 100 private agents across the city for booking of reservations in a bid to widen its base and reach out to more commuters.
The MSRTC started its procedure to appoint agents on Wednesday and intends to increase the agent base in a later phase. A special team has been formed to select applicants and monitor the registration process.
Divisional controller of the MSRTC P. P. Nimsarkar said that the team will inspect aspects such as background of the agent, location of the proposed booking office, basic infrastructure available etc. After fulfilment of the criteria, on-the-spot sanctions will be given to an agent.
He added, "At present, the reservationbooking facility for ST buses is available at five authorised centres, along with eight private agents in the city. With the addition of 100 new agents, we wish to widen our services network"
"Bookings on around 1,600 ST bus routes across the state can be done with any agent. With the computerised reservation procedure, commuters can avail of reservations for any two stations across the state," Nimaskar said and added that, "With the widening of the agents' network, passengers can book their tickets closer to their homes and offices. The scheme will be helpful for commuters from suburban and newly developed areas of the city."
He added, "The private booking agents have witnessed a positive response in case of bookings. Moreover, the MSRTC gives good commissions to agents on the total turnover generated. Considering this, we are expecting an excellent response to our new scheme."
Source: Times News Network, 25-April, 2008
