Loyalty may pay for Volvo commuters!

Loyalty may pay for Volvo commuters!
By S Praveen Dhaneshkar, DH News Service, Bangalore:
Volvo bus commuters travelling to Electronic City and ITPL, heres some good news. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation will shortly introduce a concessional 'Gold Pass' exclusively for 'Vajra' (Volvo) travellers.


Volvo bus commuters travelling to Electronic City and ITPL, here’s some good news. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation will shortly introduce a concessional ‘Gold Pass’ exclusively for ‘Vajra’ (Volvo) travellers.
Meant to reward the loyal Volvo commuter, the pass will offer a host of incentives ranging from discounts at select malls to offering life and accident insurance.
BMTC managing director Upendra Tripathy told Deccan Herald that the scheme aims to encourage more users of cars and two-wheelers to switch over to Volvos.
“It’s not only value for money, but also the best way to provide sustainable transport. Tie-ups with malls such as Shoppers Stop and Forum for discounts on purchases are being thought of as a value addition to Gold Pass holders,” he adds.
The monthly pass is likely to be priced at Rs 1,900 and offer special benefits to its holder - Rs 3 lakh in life insurance and Rs 10 lakh as accident cover.However, it will be profitable only if BMTC can sell two lakh passes every month. “At present, 50 Volvo buses ply across the City.
Commuters stand to benefit the maximum when the fleet touches 300 and offers connectivity to all points in Bangalore. The date for its introduction is being worked out,” Mr Tripathy said.
The BMTC has announced that its ‘Twin Benefit Scheme’, introduced in 2004, will be offered to students in possession of valid concessional passes (smart cards) too. Under the scheme, special benefits offered are:
*Medical reimbursement to pass-holder up to a maximum of Rs 10,000 in case of serious injury resulting from accident necessiating in-patient treatment
* Insurance for Rs 50,000 in case of total and permanent incapacitation resulting from an accident
To avail of these benefits, claimants have to complete the following formalities within 30 days from the date of accident.
Applications may be addressed to Chief Traffic Manager (Operations), BMTC Central Offices, II Floor, Shantinagar bus terminus, K H Road along with following documents. For details, call 22952533 / 9945670156.