Kathmandu, Sept 7: Kathmandu Metropolitan City is preparing to expand its night bus service by developing an intercity public transport network linking major parts of the Valley.
Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol said the city is working to establish a sustainable night transport system with the participation of local governments across the Valley. The expansion plan follows a three-month review of the night bus service launched by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City in partnership with Sajha Yatayat from April 14.
A study team led by Jagatman Shrestha, traffic expert adviser to the metropolitan city, assessed passenger demand, operating costs and the scope for expanding the service. Its report recommends increasing the number of buses from the current seven to 28 and expanding the network from two routes to six.
The existing service operates between Nagdhunga and the airport, and between Lagankhel and Budhanilkantha. Proposed routes include Godawari to Budhanilkantha, a two-way Ring Road service, Jagati to Thamel and Kirtipur to Nepal Airlines, with the expanded network expected to connect major hospitals, commercial areas and entry points across the Valley.
The three-month trial from Baisakh to Ashadh attracted 66,952 passengers. Each bus carried an average of 142 passengers a day and generated daily revenue of Rs 3,134, against an operating cost of Rs 4,814. The resulting loss was Rs 1,690 per bus per day, or about 35 percent of operating costs.
Passenger demand peaks between 8 pm and 9 pm, accounting for 41.56 percent of total ridership. Late returning office workers, labourers and daily wage earners make up a significant share of passengers.
The Thancot Airport route accounts for 51.55 per cent of passengers, while the Budhanilkantha Lagankhel route carries 48.45 per cent. Nearly half of passengers, 47 per cent, travel less than five kilometres. Short, medium and long-distance fares are currently Rs 20, Rs 25 and Rs 30 respectively.
To address the financial deficit, the study team has proposed a Rs 12-night premium on existing fares, cost sharing among eight municipalities through a viability gap funding model, and revenue generation through passenger information technology and other trust-building services.
The report also calls for stronger safety measures, including CCTV cameras, GPS tracking and dedicated bus stops, with particular attention to women, senior citizens and tourists.
Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Budhanilkantha, Chandragiri, Suryabinayak, Madhyapur Thimi, Godawari and Kirtipur would participate in the expanded system. The report says a coordinated network could support the Valley’s night-time economy, reduce dependence on private vehicles and improve public transport governance through the proposed Urban Area Public Transport Authority.
People’s News Monitoring Service
Login to add a comment