Monday, March 31, 2008

RTC buses all set to go cool in Hyderabad

It's summer bonanza for city commuters. State-owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is all set to end summer woes of bus commuters with the launch of 'Seetala Hamsa', an air-conditioned (AC) city bus service, on Monday.

Though initially, on a pilot basis, it will ply on the Secunderabad-VBIT, Madhapur route, the corporation hopes to roll out 50 more buses on different routes based on customer feedback and patronage.

Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy will flag off APSRTC's first AC city service, 10H, on the Secunderabad-VBIT, Madhapur route, at the Assembly premises on Monday at 8.00 am. The 'Seetala Hamsa' has an engine-driven AC system and is of semi-low floor type with floor height of 860 mm as against 1050 in a normal city bus.

Unlike the conventional three-step entry, passengers would have a two-step entry, providing easy access to the elderly and the physically-challenged. Though APSRTC officials are tight-lipped about the fare, sources said it would be Rs 10 (from anywhere to anywhere) for a month and thereafter the authorities will decide on the fare.

The new swanky bus would sport LED destination boards, which would be conspicuous for commuters even sitting at the rear of the vehicle. Also, the new bus would have air suspension so that passengers would have a smooth ride.

It would have comfortable fibre-moulded plastic seats with good upholstery. About 11 metres long, the bus has a seating capacity for 45 and has a wider gangway to facilitate free passenger movement, according to an official release issued here on Sunday.

The 10H city service would ply from Secunderabad Station to VBIT Park via Patny, Ameerpet, Yousufguda, Jubilee Hills check post and Madhapur.

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