Patna: Patna’s public transport system is set to be modernised, with government buses soon assigned route numbers, bringing the city in line with other metropolitan centres.
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) will issue the numbers, which will help passengers identify buses and their destinations. Detailed information about each bus route, including schedules, will be displayed at bus stops across the city. According to the office of the Divisional Commissioner, the move aims to streamline public transport and reduce confusion for commuters.
Currently, 140 government buses operate from Gandhi Maidan to various parts of the city, including Patna AIIMS, Bihta, and Hajipur. Some routes have already been numbered: for instance, 444 runs to Hajipur, 888 to Bihta, 222 to Patna AIIMS, and 111-A along Bailey Road. The system will continue to expand as new routes are introduced.
Passengers will be required to board and alight only at designated bus stops. The city has 103 government bus stops, but inconsistent stopping patterns have caused confusion and traffic congestion, with buses often halting ahead of or beyond official stops at passenger requests. Drivers and conductors failing to adhere to designated stops will face fines.
In a related initiative, new permits for auto-rickshaws will be issued according to route numbers from the new year. The city has been divided into three zones to reduce congestion. Auto-rickshaws will operate only within their designated zones, while e-rickshaws will be restricted to roads connecting residential areas.
“The numbers for government buses will be issued through the Regional Transport Authority. Passengers will only be allowed to board and alight at designated stops. Similarly, auto-rickshaw permits will be organised according to routes to ensure smoother traffic management,” said Animesh Kumar Parashar, Divisional Commissioner.
