Chennai loses all 100 AC buses, may get back only 50 new ones
Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com
Chennai:23.05.2019
None of the 100 airconditioned Volvo buses launched with much fanfare in 2008 is running in Chennai this summer. Some 50 new AC buses are expected to hit the roads in August with tenders finalised recently. On an average, each bus will cost ₹25 lakh and the overall acquisition cost will be around ₹13 crore.
The 100 Volvo buses, which operated mostly in South Chennai, were popular with commuters as the fares were lower compared to other metros. The base fare in Chennai was ₹15 during the launch and was later raised to ₹25. On an average, these buses have collected ₹15,000 to ₹18,000 everyday, according to official data. While the demand for these buses — which have covered 6 lakh-8 lakh km in their life span — was usually high, MTC regularly cut services citing maintenance issues. MTC was reportedly unable to renew the annual maintenance contract with the manufacturer due to financial constraints.
As a result, it couldn’t get replacements for worn-out parts, said MTC technicians who improvised to keep the buses running. For instance, the rear panels of many buses were kept open as there were issues with the exhaust and cooling systems. Less than eight years from launch, more than 80% of the buses were declared unfit and only a dozen were in operation till last year.
New AC buses likely to have broader seats
The last AC bus operated between Koyambedu and Kelambakkam along Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) was junked and auctioned in January for just more than ₹2 lakh.
S Prasanna, who regularly uses MTC buses, said it had been a comfortable experience travelling in these buses. “It is unfortunate MTC has stopped operating them.” In response, MTC said 50 new AC buses will hit the roads soon. “Tenders floated by the government to procure chassis were finalised recently and the state transport department is currently building a prototype,” said a senior official. The prototype has to adhere to the new bus body code framed by the Union transport ministry.
A team from the Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI), government nodal agency to approve bus design, is expected to visit Chennai next month. After getting the type approval from ARAI, other bus bodies will be built.
The new AC buses are expected to have broader seats and better cooling capacity. For this purpose, a more powerful engine (177 HP) will be fitted instead of regular 160 HP engines, the official added.
On an average, each bus would cost ₹25 lakh and overall cost associated with the process will be around ₹13 crore.
Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com
Chennai:23.05.2019
None of the 100 airconditioned Volvo buses launched with much fanfare in 2008 is running in Chennai this summer. Some 50 new AC buses are expected to hit the roads in August with tenders finalised recently. On an average, each bus will cost ₹25 lakh and the overall acquisition cost will be around ₹13 crore.
The 100 Volvo buses, which operated mostly in South Chennai, were popular with commuters as the fares were lower compared to other metros. The base fare in Chennai was ₹15 during the launch and was later raised to ₹25. On an average, these buses have collected ₹15,000 to ₹18,000 everyday, according to official data. While the demand for these buses — which have covered 6 lakh-8 lakh km in their life span — was usually high, MTC regularly cut services citing maintenance issues. MTC was reportedly unable to renew the annual maintenance contract with the manufacturer due to financial constraints.
As a result, it couldn’t get replacements for worn-out parts, said MTC technicians who improvised to keep the buses running. For instance, the rear panels of many buses were kept open as there were issues with the exhaust and cooling systems. Less than eight years from launch, more than 80% of the buses were declared unfit and only a dozen were in operation till last year.
New AC buses likely to have broader seats
The last AC bus operated between Koyambedu and Kelambakkam along Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) was junked and auctioned in January for just more than ₹2 lakh.
S Prasanna, who regularly uses MTC buses, said it had been a comfortable experience travelling in these buses. “It is unfortunate MTC has stopped operating them.” In response, MTC said 50 new AC buses will hit the roads soon. “Tenders floated by the government to procure chassis were finalised recently and the state transport department is currently building a prototype,” said a senior official. The prototype has to adhere to the new bus body code framed by the Union transport ministry.
A team from the Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI), government nodal agency to approve bus design, is expected to visit Chennai next month. After getting the type approval from ARAI, other bus bodies will be built.
The new AC buses are expected to have broader seats and better cooling capacity. For this purpose, a more powerful engine (177 HP) will be fitted instead of regular 160 HP engines, the official added.
On an average, each bus would cost ₹25 lakh and overall cost associated with the process will be around ₹13 crore.
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