JOIN USSweltering heat, summer rush, more AC buses hit roads
Sweltering heat and summer rush have come in handy at least for Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Mangaluru division, that has increased the number of fleet of air-conditioned (AC) buses.
The maximum temperature in Mangaluru on Monday was recorded at 33 degrees Celsius (at 2 pm) with humidity in the range of 58 and 60 percent.
While the number of buses is more on weekends and connecting holidays, four more newly-inducted scania buses have been recently added to the existing fleet, including five depots (three Mangaluru and two in Udupi), coming under Mangaluru division, taking the total number of scania buses to 14 in the coast alone.
Good response
Divisional traffic officer of Mangaluru division Jaishant Kumar told Deccan Herald: “Four additional Scania buses are being operated from April 13 and the response is overwhelming. The inaugural run started from Bengaluru towards Mangaluru with full 46 passengers on board.”
The buses operated under the name ‘Diamond Airavata Class’ is most popular on Mysuru and Bengaluru routes. Most of the techies travelling towards the particular cities are opting for this service.
First consignment
The first consignment of 10 Scania buses was inducted into Mangaluru depot in January itself. Unlike Volvo and Carona makes, Scania offers many unique built-in features, like 360 degree IP camera, air-condition and better room both for passengers and luggages to name a few.
During the night hours, the camera is operated on infra-red mode, with black and white footage guaranteed.
Laptop thefts
Apart from meeting the growing demand for AC suits during summer, it has also helped in checking the complaints of laptop thefts, mostly recorded in such high-end buses with techies topping the number of passengers.
Earlier, when the buses were stopping for breaks at times, laptop thefts had become common, with some of the cases even going unreported by the victims.
Sunday more
In all, the division has 108 AC buses alone, with majority operated on Mysuru and Bengaluru routes, followed by Udupi, Davangere, Hubballi, Ballari, Kasargod (in Kerala) to name a few irrespective of day and night hours.
The division has 513 schedules per day (including both AC and non-AC and regular services), divisional controller of Mangaluru division Vivekananda Hegde said.
He said, “On April 16 alone, 17 more buses were operated on Bengaluru and Mysuru routes including six AC, three non-AC, two Raja Hamsa and remaining regular buses. Owing to connecting holidays from April 14 (Good Friday), more buses were operated.”
Hegde said, while the period of three months from April to June is considered as peak season mostly due to floating passengers, July to September is considered flat for rain playing a spoil sport. Dasara vacation is considered as another peak season in the year starting from October, he added.