Bus ho gaya!

Bus ho gaya!
By: Madhusudan Maney
Date: 2008-09-12

Bangalore:


IT'S UNBELIEVABLE! Sreenivas PIC/VINOD KUMAR T

AT YOUR SERVICE: Anthony Bernard PIC/MADHUSUDAN MANEY
For four days, you can ride a BMTC Volvo from anywhere to anywhere in Bangalore for just a rupee, but don't expect a limousine experience.

Yesterday, the first day of BMTC's promotion, hundreds of first-time passengers boarded Volvos, leaving regulars unhappy.

"Too many people today," grumbled Malini, who takes a Volvo to work every day.

The high-tech buses filled up to capacity as soon as passengers were told about the one-rupee promotion this morning.

Many commuters were unaware, but conductors and drivers shouted helpfully, "Ondu rupai, ondu rupai, yalladru hogi onde rupai." (Just a rupee, wherever you go).

Tanuja, conductor of a Volvo, said, "Our buses are full only during peak hours, but today we are running packed through the day."

All smiles

Anthony Bernard, who drives a Volvo, said, "I saw smiles on the faces of many passengers travelling for the first time on our bus."

Sreenivas, who works in MiD DAY, was surprised when he heard about the promotion.

"I came to Kempegowda Bus Stand, and the conductor told me about the concession. Without a second thought I got into the bus," he said.

He stood all the way to Kodihalli (Airport Road).

"I didn't feel bad because the airconditioner kept tempers cool!" he said.

Suresh G, who works in a printing press, said, "I will take a Volvo bus as long as they charge just a rupee."

Harish, a student, was thrilled about the style factor. "I'm going to my aunt's house and I'm proud to be seen in this bus," he said.

Jayashree, interior designer, said, "I usually take a car. But parking is a big problem. More Volvos and lower fares are welcome."

Comfort and safety

Volvo products provide a high degree of care. We have always believed that comfortable commuting and absolute safety are the right of the people. This latest initiative by the government will definitely go a long way in promoting the use of public transport.

Akash Passey, MD, Volvo India