Bhubaneswar: Mo Bus service by Capital Region Urban Transport, which was suspended due to COVID-19 lockdown, resumed today in Odisha's twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

"Initially non-AC buses will ply on 7 routes of the capital region from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We will keep adding number of buses and routes," said Dipti Mahapatro, CRUT General Manager. No standing passenger would be allowed in the buses, Mahapatra added.

The buses will operate on the following routes in the initial phase:

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However, the buses will be operated by following lockdown guidelines as specified by the State Government.

As per decision, mask will be compulsory for the passengers and no standing passenger will be allowed to travel in the buses. All the crew members have been instructed not to allow the passengers to board the buses in which all the seats are occupied.

“No mask, no entry. We appeal all the commuters to take precautions while they commute in MoBus. They are requested to carry sanitizers as well,” said Mahapatra.

The passengers are requested to tender exact change to purchase ticket in order to minimise cash transaction, she added.

Keeping the present scenario in mind, the CRUT is planning to implement contactless method over cash to avoid physical contacts.

“We intend to digitise the commute in the near future. Soon we will introduce QR code and tap & pay card to facilitate cashless transaction. This will allow a hassle-free and risk-free travel for the commuter in the times of COVID-19,” Mahapatra said.

She added that the cleaning and disinfection of Mo buses are being done on daily basis as per standard procedure in the interest of passengers and staff deployed in the buses.

For the safety of passengers, the cleanliness and hygiene of each and every bus will be verified everyday by depot managers before start of journey.

“MoBus are being cleaned daily on the spots prone to spread a virus like seats, support poles, door handles, arm rest and bar handles with an alcohol-based disinfectants,”Mahapatra informed.