Marco Polo to ply on Nov 1

Marco Polo to ply on Nov 1
D H News Service, Bangalore:
Come November 1, the bright cherry red Vajra Volvo buses plying on City roads will face competition from the Tatas Marco Polo.


The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will introduce them as a Rajyotsava Day gift to the people, said Minister for Transport R Ashok here on Monday, after chairing a review meet of the four State road transport undertakings.

“While the Marco Polo costs Rs 55 lakh, Volvo is priced at Rs 72 lakh. The facilities in both buses are similar. BMTC will introduce two Marco Polo buses on a trial basis from November 1,” he said.

The minister said 1600 old BMTC buses will be replaced soon. “The chief minister has also taken a decision to construct 46 bus stations in backward taluks of the State as suggested by the Nanjundappa committee report.
The Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU) has awarded the BMTC yet another award for the lowest accident rate among public transport undertakings. From 1.6 percent in 2005 to 1.4 percent per 100, accidents involving BMTC buses have come down” he said.

Target

Meanwhile, the State transport department has set itself an increased target in revenue collections from road tax, registration fee and penalties/fines on vehicles. “The target in 2008-09 has been set to Rs 2218 crore. We have already collected a sum of Rs 850 crore” Ashok said. The meeting, attended by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and senior officials from State transport department and bus corporations decided to deploy home guards at State border check posts to assist traffic police.

BAN ON MAXI CABS

Minister R Ashok said the entry of maxi-cabs within the City will be banned soon. “They will have to stop at the Ring Roads itself. The 1500 maxi-cabs are causing losses to the BMTC buses. The government will have to protect the interest of BMTC.”