Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Vestibule buses soon

Hyderabad: The much-awaited vestibule and low-floor buses will be introduced on city roads shortly. The Hyderabad zone of APSRTC is already working at identifying the routes to operate these buses.

The 15-metre long vestibule bus has two 61 passenger compartments and costs about Rs. 28 lakh.

The buses would be operated on high density corridors in core areas and on city suburbs to cater to the transportation needs of engineering students. It would be very convenient for students, since over 150 can travel in one single trip, said APSRTC Vice-chairman and Managing Director V. Dinesh Reddy. “We have placed order for 15 vestibule buses and 20 low-floor buses and expect them to hit the road in a month,” said Mr. Reddy.

The corporation operated a vestibule bus on a pilot basis on three routes - No. 187-D (JNTU-Dilsukhnagar), No. 3 (Kushaiguda-Afzalgunj) and No.113K (Uppal-Kukatpally) in 2003-04.

The bus was provided free of cost by Ashok Leyland for test runs. During the trail run, it was packed to the brim during peak hours but occupancy came down to 50 per cent in slack hours.

However, there are a few drawbacks like lack of manoeuvrability on congested roads. Above all, it needs two conductors. Even then it was satisfactory, said an RTC senior official.

On the other hand, the low-floor buses have a minimum height from ground level and the second step in the bus will lead the passenger on to the platform. It would be beneficial for senior citizens and physically-challenged persons, he said.

These buses will have pneumatic doors, wider windows and a large gangway with good suspension to improve passenger comfort and ensure smoother ride for commuters even while negotiating speed-breakers, he added.

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