Transport department to run more night service buses

In order to make transport service smoother at night, the West Bengal Government had earlier launched 24X7 public transportation services by special night buses for which it had hired extra drivers and conductors on contractual basis. The transport department had also added battery operated buses along with the regular ones to make the night bus service more efficient. This thoughtful move was taken to ease out the transport crisis that takes over after 10 pm at night. After 10 pmk when the last Metro has left the station, the app-based cab’s charges are always on surge and yellow taxis simply refuse or ask for a lot of extra cash, making it a difficult situation for passengers traveling at night. State-run buses which contribute to 30% of the state transport system make things easier for passengers traveling at night. The Transport Department is now increasing the number of buses to make the service even more efficient. Currently 27 buses operate from 10 pm to 6 am, whose routes are Howrah Station to Kolkata Airport via Sealdah, Howrah Station to South Kolkata via Park Street and Howrah station to New Town. These buses pass via major hospitals at night to make it easier for the family members of patients. An official of the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) said, "There is a huge demand for night bus services in the city. At Kolkata Airport, Howrah station, Sealdah station, IT hub Salt Lake and Rajarhat, the response of night bus service is very good. We are planning to increase the number of buses plying at night. Our main objective is to give better services to the passengers from our end". "The basic idea behind initiating the night bus service was to ensure that no one remains stranded after reaching any of the major railway stations and the airport, even after midnight", added the official.