Armed with national tourist permit, more private bus operators enter long-distance sector

While the debate over the 'Robin Bus episode' rages on, more private operators have entered the long-distance sector to conduct intercity and interstate services using luxury buses with all India tourist permits (AITP).

- Krishna Kumar K E @Kochi

The development has presented passengers with more options for easy and comfortable travel, especially with the holiday season around the corner.

The latest to join the bandwagon is Deer Bus, which started operating in the Kochi-Kozhikode sector via Kodungallor, Ponnani, and Kuttipuram from March 5. Two air-conditioned Tata Marcopolo buses with push-back seats have been deployed to conduct the services. The buses leave Kochi at 5 am and 6 pm respectively, while the return services from Kozhikode are at 5 am and 6 pm.

"We are operating using AITP, fully adhering to rules. Booking can be done only online (www.deerbus.in), and the service will be non-stop," Deer Bus managing director Prasad Kumar told TNIE.

He said the services have been stopped temporarily because of certain glitches on the website. "They will be back in a day or two. We plan to deploy more buses based on the response," Prasad said.