City Swaps’ trips around the city provide value for money

City Swaps’ trips around the city provide value for money
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: City Swaps, the international style hop-on, hop-off bus service, the one-of-its-kind in India, was started in July 2005, with much fanfare.

After five months, it has not met with the expected success, in spite of a variety of services including shuttle service, happy hours for children, and special services for birthdays, kitty parties and corporate outings.

But Conceptree Creations Pvt Ltd (CCPL), the creator of City Swaps, is not complaining. Chief Executive Officer of the company Avinash Kumar reasons that there is a gestation period for every business venture to become profitable and City Swaps is still very new.

The lack of adequate publicity could be blamed because people have several misconceptions about it. It looks like one of the main obstacles is the cost factor. Those who have commuted by the bus, though fully satisfied with the experience, mentioned minor problems like the need to bend down at times when they encountered overhanging tree branches on the way.

‘‘Bangalore is known for its greenery. Though we have pruned a few branches that posed danger, with the help of the Corporation, it would be unfair to cut down every branch that caused inconvenience. In the whole distance, it is only in one or two places that commuters have to duck down,’’ says Kumar. He cites valid reasons for the price charged for the tickets, too.

‘‘Cost is a very sensitive issue. But here we give value for money. You could take a cab at the same cost, but it is not safe. Also, you will have to explore the place by yourself. In City Swaps we have city jockeys who give live commentary about places visited and there is no security problems,’’ he added.

When asked why the buses are not confined to weekend trips, he said it would not be widely known if publicity is poor. City Swaps is popular in the City. It provides shuttle services for important events and its happy hours is quite popular with children.

Though the money factor is a constraint for some, many are willing to experiment, he explains. CCPL has plans to introduce City Swaps in other places in the near future, once it is well established in Bangalore. It is also interested in joining hands with other companies for the venture.