KATHMANDU: The government has proposed an integrated public transport system for the Kathmandu Valley, alongside subsidies for operators providing night-time services.
The proposal is included in a draft bill to amend the Urban Area Public Transport (Management) Authority Act, 2079, prepared by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
Under the draft, the authority would be granted broader powers to plan and regulate public transport in urban areas. Its responsibilities would include route mapping, route allocation, issuing, renewing and canceling route permits, setting service schedules and fares, implementing digital fare payment systems, and monitoring service quality.
The authority would also be responsible for identifying locations for transport infrastructure, including bus parks, bus stops, depots, terminals, dedicated bus lanes, passenger waiting areas, parking facilities, EV charging stations, traffic signals and road signs.
The bill expands the definition of public transport service providers to include companies that manage cashless fare payments, fare collection and distribution, advertising and other transport-related services.
The draft also introduces the possibility of subsidies for operators running services during night hours or under special circumstances.
According to the proposal, the authority may classify services based on passenger demand, including peak hours, night-time operations and special conditions. It would be allowed to enter into separate agreements with service providers or provide subsidies where necessary to ensure the availability of such services.
