In a statement issued on Thursday, Sajha Yatayat, which was revived in 2011 as a cooperative, has expressed its hope to relieve traffic congestion in the trunk routes of Kathmandu-Lalitpur sector and also provide exemplary public transport service by operating its new buses. [break]
"After some preparatory works, we will start our buses by second week of March," said Mahendra Raj Pandey, Manager of SY Cooperative. Four of the 16 buses are now being painted with the new insignia of the SY Cooperative in mostly green and partly white as well as cream colors in Kathmandu. The rest of the buses are now on their way to Kathmandu.
Previously, SY Cooperative was expected to start its service by mid-February. However, owing to some legal hassles at the customs office in Birgunj, SY Cooperative had to postpone its original plan to March. The SY Cooperative has bought all of its buses from Tata Motors, India.
According to SY Cooperative, all of its new buses are of the Euro III emission standard and have 54 seats with an additional 15 strap-hanger capacity. The new buses of SY Cooperative have travelled all the way to Kathmandu from Goa, India. The new insignia and the looks of Sajha buses have been designed by illustrator Sworup Nishaju and cartoonist Rajesh KC.
The SY Cooperative has invested Rs 60 million for introducing new and advanced buses in Kathmandu. Sajha buses will also have LCD televisions, CCTV cameras and ticket display systems apart from two separate doors for entry and exit.
The efficient and affordable transport service of SY Cooperative had been halted in 1994 owing to political disturbance and financial irregularities.
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