Bhubaneswar: In a bid to augment its finances, the Comprehensive Region Urban Transport (CRUT) has initiated the process to engage private agencies for fare collection in 400 city buses or Ama Buses that will operate under the Centre-sponsored PM e-Bus Sewa scheme across the state.According to a recently issued tender document by CRUT, the selected agencies will be responsible for deploying conductors, collecting passenger fares, managing daily revenue transactions and ensuring smooth ticketing operations on the buses. Currently, the task is managed by manpower directly hired by CRUT.The move is part of CRUT’s efforts to streamline revenue management and strengthen accountability in the expanding public transport network. The buses covered under the proposal are planned for operation in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Rourkela and Sambalpur cities.Officials said the agencies will be responsible not only for fare collection but also for recruitment, training and supervision of conductors deployed on the buses. The agencies will have to ensure adequate manpower availability to avoid disruption of services and maintain daily records of transactions.“The contract will be for three years, with a provision for extension based on operational requirements and performance. We have also reserved the right to modify the number of buses covered under the arrangement depending on future service expansion,” a senior CRUT official said.Currently, CRUT operates the Ama Bus services in several urban centres of the state and is expanding its network under various public transport initiatives. With the induction of new buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, the agency is looking to put in place a dedicated mechanism for revenue collection and passenger ticketing management.According to sources, CRUT, being a non-profit govt organisation, has borne substantial revenue loss with the operation of Ama Bus services over the past several years. With the current move, CRUT is likely to augment its revenue and spend more on improving the facilities for the passengers.