“I urge members of the general public to embrace the smart ticketing system alongside the adoption of EVs,” he said. At the launch, Sawant also announced plans to launch more e-transportation initiatives in Goa, such as e-rickshaws and e-motorcycles for pilots to curb pollution, besides EV charging facilities. The e-buses had been lying idle for months after they arrived in Goa and were only awaiting a launch.
In Dec 2023, state govt had issued a notification outlining plans to replace approximately 57 private buses with a fleet of 60 electric and hybrid vehicles, ranging from larger buses to mini vehicles and shuttles. These vehicles, operated by Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) were designated to serve various routes within Panaji.
Due to the ongoing Smart City roadworks, KTC was supposed to start operations with five electric buses operating along the outer ring route, covering Bambolim, Santa Cruz, Panaji, and Dona Paula.
However, despite EV charging infrastructure being in place and vehicles ready for deployment, the absence of a green light from authorities put the project on hold due to the model code of conduct during the LS polls.
Following which, delay in completion of the city’s road infrastructure and the reluctance of private bus operators to withdraw their services from Smart City EV routes left the mission in limbo.
Transport minister, Mauvin Godinho, said on Monday that they decided to launch the service, spurred by pressure from the high court. “Efforts to negotiate with private operators on route adjustments have been unsuccessful. Despite initial resistance, we have decided to launch the service spurred by high court pressure. Govt plans to operate these KTC EV buses alongside existing services of fuel-run private buses. It is now up to people to make a choice between EV buses and private buses and decide which is better,” he said.
“We want to bring a better transport system and for that we need to start from somewhere in a big way. We intend to bring more EVs into the state,” he added.
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