Commuters say aye to Volvos

Commuters say aye to Volvos
BMTCs second survey covering its highend service shows these swanky buses, costly as they are to operate,have driven their way into commuters hearts
S P RAVEEN DHANESHKAR

BANGALORE : Theres icing on the cake for BMTC, which has been recording enviable profits for the past several years now.

Its second survey of Volvo commuters, which has just come out, has revealed close to 100 per cent satisfaction with the high-end service. These cherry red low-floor buses were an instant success with commuters when they hit the roads last year. The inhouse survey of 900 respondents asked them to assess existing facilities and offer suggestions. The results, available with Vijay Times, point to a growing tendency among the public to switch to public transport in a big way.

The first survey in July 2006, which covered a similar number of respondents, had revealed a 70 per cent satisfaction rate.

BMTC, which has the distinction of being the only profit-making public transport undertaking in any Indian city, recorded a profit of Rs 224 crore in 2006-07, bettering its own record of Rs 114 crore in the previous year.

Buoyed by the findings, the corporation has decided to extend the feedback initiative to its entire fleet of buses. "Questionnaires will be handed out to at least two commuters by each conductor and the filled-in forms will be handed over to the respective depot managers. This will project a broader view of commuter opinion and help us evolve into a better transport undertaking," said BMTC sources.

Among the suggestions received, some two-wheeler riders called for Volvo buses to be reconfigured with single-seat rows and more standing space. BMTC has already reduced the minimum Volvo fare from Rs 15 to Rs 10.

Other suggestions included providing newspapers on board, maintaining punctuality, provision for luggage racks, introduction of monthly passes and reduction of fare on holidays.