Volvos expected to cruise city roads by November

Volvos expected to cruise city roads by November
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Volvo buses, that have been catering to the long-distance traveller, will now offer the luxury to city commuters too. Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is all set to place orders for the buses which are likely to start operations from November this year.

The hi-tech, low-floor airconditioned buses are expected to cruise down city roads by November this year. ``We will place an order with Volvo for 25 buses within a month. It will take six months to get the buses on the road since the chassis and components have to be imported and assembled by Volvo at Hoskote,'' BMTC director (Vigilance, Security and Environment) M.F. Pasha told this website's newspaper.

BMTC has already identified 10 routes, their frequencies and tentative fares. Of the 10 routes, eight will operate from Kempegowda Bus Station, while the other two will run on the Ring Roads. One of them is a circular route. The Corporation is also targeting IT professionals with dedicated routes from Majestic to Electronics City and ITPL.

The fully airconditioned buses have a number of special features. With the footboard just 40 cm high compared to one foot for older buses, senior citizens and disabled can board and alight easily. Auto-transmission technology, where the driver does not have to change gears, will eliminate jerks. The seating has not been finalised, but BMTC plans to have around 40 seats to provide more leg space. Upto 60 passengers can stand.

On the flip side, the fares will be higher. For example, while travelling from KBS (Majestic) to JP Nagar VI Phase costs Rs. 8 on a regular black board bus, it will cost Rs. 15 on the Volvo. ``The fares are low considering the comfort and facilities the buses offer,'' Pasha said.

BMTC has received a grant of Rs. 15 crore from the State Government for the buses with each vehicle estimated to cost Rs. 70 lakh. Eventually, the corporation plans to introduce 50 Volvo buses on the city roads.