This apart, the annual budget of the AMTS dwells into the routine budgeting involving Rs 132.70 crore.

Presenting the budget here on Tuesday, Chairman Asit Vora said that despite the hike in CNG prices, there would be no increase in fares. He said the Transport Committee has also put forth a demand with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) that it should convert the Rs 378.08 crore outstanding loan into an outright grant to avoid technicalities and also because city bus service was a basic facility which the AMC was supposed to provide to the citizens. He said whatever money AMC paid on behalf of AMTS would be treated as grant.

He said AMTS has decided to scrap mini buses totally as they have been found to be non viable and the frequency of breakdown in them is quite high. Acknowledging cases of misbehaviour by the drivers of private buses, Vora said AMTS would also monitor their conduct through a special squad, which would examine the condition of the buses and their colour. Besides, AMTS would also take strict action against erring drivers, he said.

He further said AMTS would deposit Rs 20 lakh as advance with the V S Hospital to meet emergency treatment expenses on its ailing crew, as indoor patients. Two new terminals will be built in the newly added Motera and Chandkheda areas, Vora said.