Date:14/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/14/stories/2008041459510500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

MTC to outsource cleaning of deluxe buses

P. Oppili

CHENNAI: The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has proposed to outsource the cleaning of its semi-low floor deluxe buses and buses fitted with air-conditioners.

Already the Corporation had floated tenders and received applications, and the bidder would be finalised within a week.

A few companies involved in cleaning the aircraft and motor vehicles at the airports have also participated in the tender process, a senior MTC officer told The Hindu.

Under the new system, nearly 400 buses including the air-conditioned ones would be given to the private agency for taking up the cleaning work. The work included cleaning under the chassis, glass panes, windows, cushioned seats and the floors, said the officer.

Outsourcing the cleaning work would reduce the burden of the Corporation and help provide hygienic conditions inside the vehicle, particularly the expensive buses fitted with air-conditioners, the officer said.

At present, the MTC has 20 air-conditioned buses, which is being operated on five routes. The Corporation would increase the number of air-conditioned buses from its present 10 to 30 before November this year, the officer said.

With the mercury soaring, more and more people were opting for travelling by air-conditioned bus, the officer said. At present the air-conditioned buses are operated in the Central – Tiruvanmiyur (A-1), High Court – Tambaram (21-G), Broadway – Guduvanchery (E-18), Broadway – Tambaram via Velachery (A-51) and Velachery – Ambattur OT (D-70) rourtes.

The Central – Tiruvanmiyur air-conditioned bus has recorded highest revenue collection and is also one of the most popular among commuters. This is followed by High Court – Tambaram (21-G) service and Velachery – Ambattur OT service. The Broadway – Tambaram (A-51) route has recorded lesser revenue,m compared to the other services, he said. At present the servicing of the air-conditioned buses is being done at the Central Depot located on Pallavan Salai. Engineers from Volvo come and do the service in the city. Efforts are also on to sign a contract with the company, which will take up the annual maintenance contract of air-conditioned buses, the officer added.