200 more Volvos by Mar ’09

200 more Volvos by Mar ’09
R Krishnakumar | TNN

Bangalore: The red run on Bangalore’s roads is set for a surge. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is tapping decent occupancy rates and positive customer feedback about its pilot Volvo project, as it gets ready to expand its fleet to 310.
The pilot project clocked occupancy rates between 45% and 50%, considered healthy for a city largely driven by private vehicles. The BMTC expects to put the additional 200 Volvos on the road in a ninemonth fleet expansion project, starting late this month and till March, 2009. The proposed budget for it is Rs 143 crore. Over the next five years, about 1,000 such buses could be added, at a rate of 200 every year.
With more Volvos on the road, the BMTC hopes to effect a substantial tilt in the Bangalorean’s choices in favour of public transport. “It’s about putting more buses on the road and also seeing how many cars they replace,’’ reasons a transport department official. With more than 28 lakh registered vehicles on the roads, it’s estimated that the average Bangalorean spends more than 240 hours every year in traffic. The average traffic speed in the city during peak hours is 13.5 kmph.
The BMTC’s dedicated Vayu Vajra service to and from the BIA in Devanahalli has emerged as a major connecting link between the city centre and the airport. According to the official, some new Volvos could also be put on this route, depending on passenger demand.
FARE ENOUGH
While the BMTC roadmap for Volvos is pegged at decongestion of roads, reduced pollution and an economical mode of transport, the transport corporation could also be left dealing with public apprehension with regard to fares. BMTC cites other cities to push the case that Bangalore fares aren’t steep.
“In Pune, ordinary bus services run on fares on a par with these Volvo fares. The shift to public transport is ensured by offering premium services at the right price. There is a mismatch only in Bangalore,’’ says the official.
VOLVO RUSH
200 more Volvos by March 1,000 more Volvos in service in the next five years Pilot project clocked overall occupancy of 45-50% BIA services (Vayu Vajra) could be enhanced, based on demand