‘Ama Bus’ service to be launched in 8 more places in Odisha

The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has plans to launch ‘Ama Bus’ service in eight more places in Odisha, a CRUT press release stated on Thursday. The places include Angul, Jharsuguda, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Baripada, Jeypore (Koraput), Balasore, and Rayagada.

Also Read: Odisha govt to introduce double decker electric buses in Bhubaneswar soon

This was decided in 49th Board Meeting of CRUT, which was held under the chairpersonship of Development Commissioner, Odisha Govt and CRUT Chairperson Anu Garg. The Board of Directors reviewed CRUT’s operations and discussed key strategies to enhance the urban transportation in the State, with a strong emphasis on safety, service quality, and expansion.

Key highlights of the meeting:

1.    Accident Prevention Measures:

• Speed Limitation: CRUT has introduced new speed limits for buses to ensure commuter safety: Electric buses (35 km/h), Diesel buses (City routes: 40 km/h, Intercity highways: 50 km/h).
• Training and Capacity Building: Regular training sessions have been introduced focusing on safe driving practices, behavioural training, electric bus operation, and first-aid practices.
•  ADAS and Dash Cam Implementation: Proof-of-concept trials for advanced safety technologies are underway, with 10 agencies installing devices in 8 buses.
• Accident Review Committee: Accident committee of State Transport Authority will investigate and analyse all accidents and incidents, along with a monthly accident review to improve safety protocols.

2.    Toll-Free Assistance Number: To further enhance commuter support, a toll-free number (18005700218) has been introduced for assistance between 6 AM and 10 PM.

3.    SOP for Hiring of Crew Members: A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for recruiting and training Captains and Guides will be implemented to ensure adherence to government standards, professionalism, and safety. All newly hired captains will undergo training at the HMV Driving Training Institute before being assigned routes.

4.    Restructuring of Pass System: The current pass system—available only in the Capital Region—will soon be extended to other cities where Ama Bus service is available, including Rourkela, Sambalpur and Berhampur. 

5.    KPI-Based Incentive System: A new Key Performance Indicator (KPI) based reward system will be introduced to incentivize top-performing Captains and Guides, aiming to improve service quality, passenger satisfaction, safety compliance, and operational efficiency across all depots in Odisha.

Must Read: Odisha signs agreement to operate hydrogen-powered buses

With the introduction of new safety measures, enhanced training protocols, and expanded pass system, CRUT is committed to ensuring a safer, more efficient and passenger-friendly public transport experience for residents across the State.