Date:05/11/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/11/05/stories/2005110511810300.htm

New Delhi

Sheila flags off high capacity bus

Staff Reporter

Yet another mode of safe, comfortable travel

- Photo: Sandeep Saxena

CAPACITY CHECK: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Transport Minister Haroon Yusuf enjoying the inaugural ride in high capacity bus in New Delhi on Thursday.

NEW DELHI: To complement the world-class Metro Railway here, the Delhi Government on Thursday launched an ultra-modern high capacity bus service, offering commuters yet another mode of safe and comfortable travel in the city. The Delhi Transport Corporation's first batch of ultra low floor buses was flagged off by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit from the DTC Headquarters at Indraprastha Depot here.

These commuter-friendly buses have been specially designed for operations in high-density dedicated bus corridors as part of the high capacity bus system. But while the corridors are yet to be created, the buses have been procured.

Designed after taking into consideration feedback received from commuters on their requirements, the low floor of these step-less buses makes entry and exit extremely convenient for commuters, who will now be able to walk into them instead of having to climb in.

The buses, which therefore make boarding easy for even senior citizens, women commuters and children, also have a pneumatically operated automatic access ramp which makes it especially convenient for the disabled to use them.

In fact, disabled passengers can carry their wheel chair along with them as it can be easily strapped to the rails. Another unique feature of these buses are their wide twin doors that are fitted at the centre and front and permit three passengers to simultaneously board and alight from the vehicle.

The Chief Minister, who along with the Transport Minister, Haroon Yusuf, travelled on the bus, said the low floor buses have been introduced on two corridors on experimental basis only as these routes required no major changes. Besides, it was pointed out, route H-42 will also serve as feeder service to the Delhi Metro.