Swanky Benz may be new year gift

KSRTC plans

But, here the swanky wheels we are speaking about is not a car, but a bus, KSRTC, Mysore urban division has introduced to enable public transport users, travel in air-conditioned coach.

Said KSRTC, Mysore Urban, Divisional Controller, M N Srinivas: “Currently, two buses of Benz make are being operated on an experimental basis from City Bus Stand to Chamundi Hills and Infosys (one bus on each route), from the past one week.

The fare is similar to Volvo buses plying on both the routes- ` 17 for Chamundi HIlls and ` 20 for Infosys”. Features wise, it is 38 seater, having machine operated doors, electronic board inside that informs the passengers about the stops. Cost wise, the vehicle is priced above ` 90 lakh.

Encouraging

If not overwhelming, the response is quite encouraging with already about 300 people opting for  Benz rather than other types of buses, to the hills alone. In the case of Infosys, it may have reached about 400 during the period. The buses are being run in 10 trips on both the routes, only during general shift that starts from 9.30 am stretching up to 7.30 pm.

Srinivas exuded confidence that Benz would be added to the existing fleet of buses in the coming days, if taken into account the success stories of the past. If it happens, Mysore city would be  second after Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) to introduce the hi-tech facility on city routes.

What made the Mysore division to go for Benz is the increasing number of tourists besides growing industries, especially Information Technology. It’s evident with the routes of a popular tourist spot like Chamundi HIlls and Infosys, that has been drawing young engineers from different places, selected even for experiment too.

The successful run of Volvo buses is also another reason. According to Srinivas, when Volvo buses entered city in 2007, only five were rolling on the roads.

 Now, after three years, 33 such buses are being operated. Among them, eight are offering regular services to Chamundi Hills and 12 for Infosys.

This apart, 150 buses have been added under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) programme, followed by 79-semi low floor, 41-Tata Marcopolo and 25 normal buses.

So what are you waiting up to? If you wanna feel the experience, better board the bus becoming one more reason for the transport corporation authorities to run the facility on permanent lines for new year.