The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : KSRTC studying use of hybrid buses

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Wednesday, Nov 04, 2009
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

KSRTC studying use of hybrid buses

Staff Reporter

Pollution-free vehicles may get concessions
KSRTC making efforts to use alternative fuel

BANGALORE: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation is looking at using electric hybrid buses as a part of its initiative to use vehicles that cause less pollution, Gaurav Gupta, Managing Director of KSRTC, said on Tuesday.

Participating in the Sweden India Nobel Memorial seminar on “Sustainable mobility and the environment,” Mr. Gupta said the KSRTC was making efforts to use alternative fuel for running its buses.

The KSRTC has been acclaimed as the only State-run transport corporation to run buses using bio-diesel, he said.

Mr. Gupta said the Clinton Foundation was funding the study on the electric hybrid buses. “These buses are being conceptualised and are yet to come on the field. As and when this (concept) is firmed up, they (buses) will be put to use,” he said.

Principal Secretary (Transport) M.K. Shankarlinge Gowda said the State Government would look into giving concessions to pollution-free electric cars, such as Reva, provided people show interest in such vehicles. “Presently we are collecting 4 per cent tax. We will encourage such cars by giving concessions,” he said.

Transport Commissioner Bhaskar Rao said it was time the State Government promoted public transport as against the private transport by relaxing regulations for the former.

The Government should work for making public transport affordable to the common man.

Ambassador of Sweden Lars-Olof Lindgren, Indian Institute of Management’s Professor Ashwin Mahesh, Systemair AB’s Technical Director Mats Sandor, Arco Consultants’s Kavy Pradeep and Managing Director of Volvo Buses (South India) Akash Passey participated in the discussion.

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