Red Circle KSRTC Bus in the RED

 

Circle Route Bus - Where and When will Can I get a ride?

With much fanfare, trial run, and publicity, city circular bus was introduced in Trivandrum city. It looks like the intention is good. But, is it sustainable for KSRTC?

I feel KSRTC is losing money from Circle Bus on a daily basis. Any doubts about it? 

There are two ways of knowing the truth. 

Simple way of knowing it by seeing it for yourself. All that I have seen are half empty bus going around the city. If that's not enough, you can file a RTI application to know exact number from ticket sales! 

Why Hop-on Hop-off Bus Route is Loosing Money?

FM Radio ads about Red Circle bus says how a commuter can hop into this bus, then get down and then catch the next bus. All for just Rs 10. Sounds good and rosy. But, in reality, people don't just wait  indefinitely to catch a circle bus. They will get in any other bus that comes their way.

Solution to Make Red Bus, Profitable? Make it Predictable and Visible!

I had written about this App thing many years ago, now I'm bringing back the same GPS mobile app topic. I strongly believe that a versatile mobile app for KSRTC would solve many issues for the transport company. Also, it will be useful for tracking routes, improving productivity and profits for the corporation.

LIVE LOCATION of BUS Using KSRTC APP

An Ticket booking and tracking App will be useful for passengers in many ways.

It's high-time that KSRTC should take step to make such an app with these features and more

1. A commuter can use the app to see the current location of the bus, the expected arrival time.
2. For convenience, the bus on the app will be color coded for easy identification
3. App will show the route map, stops, fare, stops at each depot and occupancy, etc 
4. App will use the smart phone with the driver to track its movement in real time
5. For long distance bus, passengers can know route options, stop-over time, etc


Why KSRTC need such an App! Note from my Recent Experience

I was going from Perithalmanna to Malapuram in a KSRTC bus. During the trip, a private bus overtook our bus. And, this triggered our bus driver. He them chased and overtook the private bus, taking unwanted risk in this narrow road. Why all the fuss?

 After seeing this kind of rage driving, I told the conductor of this empty bus about an App which will allow commuters to see the bus on the app. So, instead of using speed tactics, KSRTC bus can go peacefully knowing well that a private bus won't be able to take all his commuters. The power will be with the commuter. The people waiting in any bus stand can look at the App and know when the next bus is reaching. 

In the world with such App, the loyalty will reward the bus service provider. The question is will a passenger wait to catch a KSRTC bus? 

Another story! 
Let me tell another experience. I was at Malappuram depot around 8:30 PM with the intention to reach Angadipurm to catch the Trivandrum train at 10:15 PM. There were around 20 or so passengers who were going in that route. As time ticked beyond 9PM I was getting anxious whether I will able to reach the station in time.

All the while KSRTC depot was dimly lit, making it look dark and uninviting. All the people were at the entrance of the stand to catch whichever bus comes our way. And, in that wait a private bus to Trichur came rushing to our stop. It was already packed and now it had belly full with all us pushing and shoving inside. As I got it, I could see the sparkle of joy in the eyes of private bus killi and two other smart young ticket fellas. 

The way this private bus swept clean the commuters and I'm sure, there would be a KSRTC bus just behind us. But how on earth can we know when it will reach. I was in mood to take a chance. 

Also, as expected there was zero effort from any of the KSRTC staff in this depot to tell the crowd that another KSRTC bus is on the way. Well, such behavior is not expected by the way it is. 

What if a smart phone showed us where the next bus is reaching?

Live Tracking App for Low-Floor Volvo Bus

The app can work or could be introduced in different levels. I think, this App should be first introduced in Volvo bus. If this succeeds, then they can introduced to other routes in a phased manner. 

Before pandemic, I used to think of this App for Low-floor Volvo bus. I have seen one such bus which passed by Kumarapuram and goes to Kovalam beach. Just imagine, if there was some way to knowing when a Kovalam bus would pass by at this time and in this stop! Is it too much to wish for in the age of Olas and Swiggy? 

Is it expensive to Create an App and Introduce GPS in Bus

Creating an App won't be easy, but it can be done. If money or resources is short, then they can ask private companies like TATA or Infosys or even Google to help them with this project. These private companies even would be willing to create an App for free, provided there's some other consideration for them. This is for the KSRTC management to work it out. 

Does any other Transport Corporation in India have a Live Bus Tracking App?

I'm not aware of any such app. If there's such an App that's used, then it can be used as a reference for study. If none of the corporation has an App, then KSRTC can go ahead and get the name for the first corporation to start one.

Support KSRTC App and Support Salary Hike of KSRTC Employees!

 and Productivity Improvement for KSRTC

If you like this idea, pls share it to KSRTC decision makers. Let's do whatever it takes to make KSRTC become more profitable and predictable. 

Diamond Enclave at Vellayambalam

 

Diamond Enclave Apartment Bldg

Most apartments buildings are just like concrete pigeon holes. It's like the village office building. One design template used over and over again. That's what most apartment building will look like. Almost all have the similar box structure and a balcony space. And, in this sameness, here come an apartment building that's has some unique points. In one look, it appears to have some semblance with Antila, the residence of Mukesh Ambani.

This apartment is by Artech Builders, and according to their website, it's their flagship premium apartment. Going through the details of this apartment, The Artech website contains more information and specification of the project. I was only concerned about how they have pitched it and what are they highlighting. I felt the quick enquire box was bit too big and loud. 

The building specification appears to be loaded with all the swanky features such as home automation, high-speed elevators, servant's bathroom, Italian marble, expensive fitting, 100% power backing and so on. 

So, what's your opinion after seeing the design? Does it look inviting? Do it look creative? Does it have a home feeling? 

Female massage service Trivandrum Surprise

 

Massage Service @ Trivandrum

Finally, it's happening here, clear as a the morning sky. Massage service board advert was hung on the electricity board very close to our house. It's the first time, I'm seeing such a board in Tvm. In B'lore, every other corven there are all types of Unisex spa, offering all kinds of massage - happy ones and okay ones. 

I'm a big proponent of starting of spa in Kerala. After all, there are scores of mallu men, and women who would enjoy such services. So, no shortage of customers if you're offering a decent service. And, the it has the least investment compared with any other biz - no perishable goods or stocks to bought, no fancy equipment. Just a clean and neat interiors to begin with.

Massage and Public Opinion

However, the the opinion of public, the political class and the cops are not favorable ones. These breed of people see massage only in one eye - especially when the massage is done by a person of the opposite sex. What's the big deal? Let the buyer choose whoever they want - bet it female, male or transgender or any other category!

So, what do you think about spa service in Kerala? 

Recently in one of trip to Malappuram, I passed by a field. At that moment I thought it it would be a great idea to have an open air leg massage for people! Just imagine, if the the public get's to spend sometime getting pampered while they get to see the green fields. 

Imagine the picturesque Kerala Kallu shops in kuttanad where they sell toddy in one shed and massage services in another shed. Probably, it will happen in 2030. 

Amen to that!

Btw, the number for massage as given on the board is this - for massage service in Trivandrum contact Ph# 93849 60883

Revitalize in 2022

 

Today while going for the morning walk from Kumarapuram to KIMS side, I hit again on the same urge to start a blog to share daily mundane sights and write an expression about it. But, why? Why should I again blog, when I have many blogs and which I stopped it half way?

One reasons is that a blog would be place to connect with people who land on the blog and leave a comment, whereby I can connect, talk, meet for a coffee....what not!

Well, that's the intention pure and simple - human touch.

So, during my walk I contemplated on different names. I got one part of the name - uncut! What about the rest? Not sure as I'm bad with names. 

It's then when I opened this blogger account and I come across this blog, which I had started some 10 years back. Name itself is odd - ideablob. No idea why I kept this name? Probably ideablog was taken!

And, so, I'm now with the first post after a gap of more than 10 years 

 

Low floor bus in Trivandrum

Mallu's are know for negativity. Any venture from airport expansion to Express highway to road widening are lambasted with all negative views and thoughts.

Last week during my visit to Trivandrum I boarded the new Volvo bus. It was a trip from Kumarapuram to Pongamudu. The bus had few empty seats and it was a smooth ride. In Bangalore I've travelled in these and found the journey very comfortable. Kidos of BMTC for introducing these buses.

I heard from the folks that people are against this bus and the newspaper reports are all filled with the losses it has brought it. I don't know how many reports favored it nor gave suggestions for improvement.


My suggestion:

Why can't they ply this bus for a longer distance. For instance, from Trivandrum to Atingal or Kollam. Tvm to Neyyatinkara etc.

Longer routes with limited stops will bring in better ride for long distance commuters and better return for KSRTC.

Another thought!

Do these buses reach in time at every stop. Is the timing known to all. It's a fair luck or chance to get this bus.

Can KSRTC make a digital timing device at all bus-stops:

These days GPRS devices are used in plenty of applications. Why not use a location finding devise in this volvo bus?

Each bus stop should have a digital box which show the location of the bus. Commuters just have to look at the digital route display unit to know if the bus is round the corner or it is still a long way.

I've no idea about the feasibility of this solution, but one thing I know. If VSSC at Thumba can plan an unplanned lunar expedition, this would not be a big task.

Just a thought and ur comments welcome.

bjcharles

Skandargiri - No Signs about the Clouds

It was a quick plan for the night trek to “KALLAVARAHALLI BETTA” aka “SKANDAGIRI”.

Friday night I reached home 11:30. After a long day at work and a quick drink at Cirrus. Soon at 12:30 the three pals reached my pad. Had beef and bread and we stacked whatever was available.

In between I tried an half-hearted attempt to take a quick but it was fruitless . We packed our bags and left in our roaring bullets. I sat behind Roy and the journey began.

First stop near Ulsoor lake for tea.
Next stop by the Cops, on the road that takes to Palace grounds. The freaky cop was playing the usual role. Asking questions in a rude manner. Papers!

Fortunately both the drivers had documents and the before he finished with us, his boss, another super cop with big tummy came and asked us to leave.

Next it was a long ride.. towards Mekri circle, then the Esteem mall, and towards New matchbox airport, past Yellanka. The road was wide and empty.

Soon we hit the first left deviation - Road sign showed - Nandi Hills. Stopped there to decide. Suddenely a cop came in a bike. We told the destination and he said it's the way...

Again we went in the Nandi hills route... went bit a long distance and Ajith got doubts about this. We decide to return. Again we reached the main road. Decided to find another left deviation. Travelled another 5 -8 km and saw a tea shop. Doubts were cleared. Route to Skandagiri lay much further.

Had another round of tea and hear the comments from the tea seller.

Reached the road that took to the left. Still no ROAD SIGNS to Skandagiri. Took this route , a good guess we went forward. Some positive landmarks started to appear. One college and then another query from a person. He told us to go even further. Another left road came. In that corner, a fellow was selling tea. He said left and 4 km.

We started another long ride - another mistake. Probably, we rode some 10 km in that direction. We're lost again. Lost time, and we came back. Asked another fellow. We took the way he mentioned. Through the fields and small hamlets. STILL NO ROAD SIGNS.

We thundered on, saw two three waving lights. Ray of Hope. These we guides who can show us the way.

We again went further. Reached the base. Many bikes and few cars were parked. Soon the locals came up, asking for direction. We said we can find our way. Asked us to pay for parking. 60 bucks. 30 of each bike.

Another group came in a car. Thought we could follow them without paying for the guide. One man still came along with us. He was asking for 400 bucks for taking up to the summit. We still said no, as we say the group ahead of us. But then, again we lost sight of them. These terrain could be very tricky.

We started our climb around 4:45. Stopped. Ajith was breathless and Santhosh was having calf pain. Fortunately, I was climbing without feeling any hitches. Again we resumed, with many stops in-between.

Soon we saw streaks of morning and at one point I could see the beautiful pains, well lit by light. The beauty of stars was another treat to all of us.

Reached the summit. In the last stretch towards the pinnacle I stopped twice. My heart was pounding and I was sweating profusely. It was cool and we could hear the sound from other climbers.

Reached on-top. Gusty chill winds. I removed by jacket and sat on the rock. The magnificent view of the clouds was not there. We were a bit late, thanks to all the confusion of finding the right route.

Roy had egg omelet and hot tea. Omelet is Rs 40. It pays to get this service here. Paid the guide Rs 300 + 20.

There were many on top. Many girls too. These young lot seems to have sailed up without much effort or did they sweat it out? Took lots of pics.

One the way back we say few local guys putting fire to dry grass. God knows what fun they get out of it. The smoke added misery to those who come from behind. They need a kick in the a**.

Close to ground zero, saw one man selling butter-milk. One glass Rs 10. We four had around 12 glasses. Paid Rs 100.

Down to the base.


NOW the questons: ROAD SIGNS

Why are there no sign boards towards Skandagiri? Every weekend, scores of people climb this hillock to get the rare sight of clouds. Still no SIGNS or Pointers to reach the base.

See how many local people earns a small livelihood with this event.

• Guide fee - They earn between 100 onwards. Mostly they get around Rs 200 -300/-
• Parking fee - They get 30 average for a bike and more for a car
• Omelet is Rs 40 - They earn a small price for the effort
• Butter milk - They too earn a good money. We finished his beverage.

This is an opportunity to get a small share from the travelers wallet. Money from BPO can trickle to these people. Why not someone take the effort to put more direction boards towards Skandagiri and make it more visitor friendly.

Just few sign-boards at the right places is all I ask for. It can save the pain of asking for directions and bring in more trekkers to reach for the clouds.

My first thought

I'm a lazy sucker who takes too much time to execute any activity. This blog is another example of how long one activity can simmer in my mind before it gets done.

Thought behind this blog

This blog is all about rant and raves that can bring some change. My twisted mind comes with crazy ideas and lofty plans . Why not I share bring it to light?

Finally, this blog is about my ideas and my thoughts about people, places and things I witness .

Thanks,

Bjcharles