The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is set to enhance the travel experience for its long-distance passengers by establishing designated ‘food stops’ during bus journeys. Drivers and conductors will no longer have the freedom to choose their preferred eateries for breaks; instead, KSRTC will provide a curated list of approved hotels outside bus stands where buses can stop. This initiative aims to ensure that all stops maintain a standard of quality and safety for passengers, particularly in response to previous complaints regarding the dining facilities at certain restaurants.
The upcoming list will include hotel names and the estimated arrival times for each stop, allowing passengers to plan accordingly. Buses are typically scheduled to stop for breakfast between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM, lunch from 12:30 PM to 2 PM, evening breaks from 4 PM to 6 PM, and dinner between 8 PM and 11 PM. Passengers will also be informed about the departure times after meals to keep them updated.
This decision comes after a review in August when KSRTC opted to only stop at pre-approved restaurants following numerous complaints about the quality of food and facilities, particularly from female passengers. To address these concerns, KSRTC will contract with restaurants that have been operational for a minimum of two years and can guarantee a pleasant dining experience. Key criteria for these restaurants include offering quality vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals at reasonable prices, maintaining clean toilets and kitchens, providing seating for at least 50 diners, and having adequate parking space for two buses.
In addition to these food stops, KSRTC is also working on providing refreshments on long-distance buses. Earlier this year, the corporation announced plans to serve tea, coffee, snacks, and bottled water, along with the installation of vending machines for beverage service. The rollout of these facilities is expected to begin on Swift buses headed to Mangaluru, Bengaluru, and Mysuru, although the payment collection method is still under discussion.
