The State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) is looking forward to almost doubling its existing fleet following the state government’s decision to merge all long distance buses operated by other transport corporations, with it for administrative reasons. As many as 850 buses could be added to SETC’s fleet shortly, according to sources .
“With a stronger fleet, SETC could give private operators a run for their money,” say transport officers, explaining that the government had decided to add to the number of buses run by the state express transport corporation to help it compete with the ‘threatening’ omni buses.
In future buses of all corporations, barring Metropolitan Transport Corporation, which operate over long distances, could be merged with SETC.
“The buses running over 300 km will be removed from the jurisdiction of their mother corporation and merged with SETC.
For instance, a bus taken to Chennai either by TNSTC, Madurai division, or TNSTC, Coimbatore division, will be added to the SETC fleet.
While over 850 buses have been identified for merging with SETC, so far, only 40 buses have been brought to it, but 350 more are on their way. The strength of the SETC fleet is 944 at present,” adds an officer.