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AC buses a big hit with commuters
Travelling in style: Inside view of a recently launched DTC air-conditioned bus.
NEW DELHI: The new air-conditioned buses introduced by the Delhi Transport Corporation recently have managed to strike an instant chord with Delhiites with commuters giving it a big thumbs up, the higher fares notwithstanding.
For seasoned bus commuters accustomed to the usual discomfort and harassment associated with crowded public transport in the city, the cherry red buses have come as a big relief offering air-conditioned comfort and hassle-free commuting to those who don’t mind shelling a little more than usual.
With the minimum ticket fare priced at Rs.10 and the maximum at Rs.20, it has everyone from students to professionals to housewives hooked owing to curiosity factor as well. Student Deepika Verma who took a Rs.15 ticket from Connaught Place to Saket on route 522 said: “This is my first ride on this new bus and I am very happy with it. I came to know about it through my classmate who has been raving about the new air-conditioned bus service ever since he took a ride on it himself. After hearing about it I too decided to check it out for myself and I love the experience.”
“Though I have to cough out more money than the usual fare, I don’t mind because the air-conditioned service and comfort provided is truly worth it. Buses like these are a huge relief from the hot and muggy weather in Delhi these days,” she added.
Office commuters taking a ride for the first time too couldn’t stop gushing about the new service.
Murari Mishra, who boarded the bus for the first time from New Delhi railway station to Defence Colony, said: “Even though I was carrying two heavy bags, I did not experience any discomfort. Not only is the bus cool because of the effective air-conditioning, it is also less crowded and devoid of the usual rush. Given a choice between haggling with rude auto-rickshaw drivers and this bus, I would definitely opt for this air-conditioned luxury.”
“It would be great if these buses are increased on busy routes covering important areas like railway stations, All India Institute of Medical Sciences and Government offices in Delhi,” he added.
Not surprisingly it’s not just the commuters, but also the DTC staff on these buses who are more than happy lapping with the new service.
Busy handing out tickets to commuters, bus conductor of route 522 Munshi Sharma said: “I am very happy to be doing duty on this bus because of the air-conditioning which makes work enjoyable rather than a drudgery in this heat. It has garnered a great response from the people and most commuters are very curious about these buses and ask a lot of questions about the fares.”
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