Source : PTI | The West Bengal government’s online cab-booking platform ‘Yatri Sathi’ has launched air-conditioned shuttle bus service in Kolkata, offering passengers a comfortable and affordable mode of transport, an official said on Monday.
The service, launched recently, has initially been introduced on several routes connecting the northern and southern suburbs with Salt Lake and New Town, with a focus on office-goers and IT professionals travelling to the city’s major technology hubs, the transport department official.
The AC shuttle buses will operate on routes connecting Bali, Barrackpore and Srirampore with Sector V, as well as Sonarpur with New Town, according to officials.
The fare for the first trip has been fixed at ₹39, while the maximum fare for subsequent regular journeys on the AC buses will be ₹69.
The initiative aims to provide a safe, comfortable and affordable air-conditioned transport option, particularly for employees commuting to Salt Lake and New Town, while also addressing the long-standing demand for additional shuttle bus services.
Special safety arrangements have also been made for women passengers using the service, the official said.
The service was initially launched on a trial basis on two routes in July. Following the pilot project, the Yatri Sathi platform has now expanded the service to additional routes.
The government is also considering extending the AC shuttle service to areas such as Behala and Garia in the next phase, officials said.
Hailing the service, BJP West Bengal said in a post on X, “Affordable AC shuttle bus services are returning to Kolkata streets under the government-backed ‘Yatri Sathi’ initiative, making city commuting smoother and far more comfortable. Operating daily from 8 am to 8 pm, these shuttle buses feature fares starting at just ₹39.”
“To ensure passenger safety and convenience, each bus comes equipped with GPS tracking and CCTV camera facilities. Initially launching across three key routes, this service aims to deliver a modern, hassle-free travel experience for Kolkata’s daily commuters,” the BJP said.
