LUCKNOW, May 24 -- The blistering summer heat in Lucknow is driving a growing number of residents towards air-conditioned public transport, with city buses and the Lucknow metro train witnessing a steady rise in passenger numbers in recent weeks. Officials linked the increase to commuters seeking relief from the scorching temperatures while travelling across the city. According to data released by the Lucknow City Transport Services Limited, city bus passenger numbers rose sharply between May 19 and May 22. Around 7,880 passengers travelled through city buses on May 19, while the number increased to 12,693 on May 20 and 12,514 on May 21. On May 22, ridership climbed further to 17,076 passengers in a single day. Officials said passenger numbers in May have shown an upward trend compared to April. On April 22, total city bus ridership stood at around 15,061 passengers, while on April 21 the figure was nearly 10,086. Around 12,004 passengers travelled through city buses on April 20, while ridership on April 19 was recorded at around 6,500 passengers. Amarnath Sahai, regional manager of Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), said that although the rise was not very sharp, a visible increase in passenger movement had been recorded in recent days.He said extreme heat conditions were prompting people to avoid using their own vehicles....