The Hindu : Low-floor bus to have trial run tomorrow

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 23, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Kerala-Thiruvananthapuram

Low-floor bus to have trial run tomorrow

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM MARCH 22. A new experience awaits hundreds of KSRTC's traditionally hassled and travel-weary patrons in the city, especially children, senior citizens and physically challenged, when they board the low floor `Sitibus 2000' being introduced on an experimental basis from Monday.

The Rs. 20 lakh bus, which has been brought to the city by the manufacturer, will ply from East Fort to Kovalam, Medical College, Sasthamangalam, Peroorkada and Pravachambalam on a weekly basis for the next one month, the Managing Director of KSRTC, C. Appukuttan Nair told The Hindu.

Seven to eight feet longer than the normal buses of the KSRTC, the 50-seater bus daubed in red and yellow paint has pneumatic doors, wider windows and gangway, cushioned seats and has passenger-friendly grab rails with handstraps.

Built on a `Panther' chassis, the `Sitibus 2000' from the stable of Ashok Leyland has a rear-fitted engine to reduce the noise. Air suspensions have been provided in the front and rear to improve passenger comfort and to avoid bumpy rides for commuters even when negotiating speed breakers.

The Driver's cabin has been avoided and the space utilised efficiently for providing the front door. Since the two doors are automatic, it is the driver who has been given the control of the exits. To ensure the hassle-free movement of the passengers, the front door is for boarding and that in the middle for alighting.

A small gradient has been given to the front as the engine is in the rear. As only two seats have been provided on either sides, the gangway is wider compared to the normal bus of the KSRTC. Since the second step in the bus will lead the passenger to the platform, the bus is ideal for senior citizens.

Even the wheel chairs used by the physically challenged can be carted easily into the bus. Compared to the conventional door which permits the entry of only one person, three persons can easily move through the wide doors of the sitibus.

The sitibus, which had been found successful in Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, will substitute for two vehicles and is ideal for short trips. The fares as in KSRTC's City Fast will be charged from those who board the bus.

The KSRTC has plans to purchase 15 low floor buses for its fleet. A decision to place orders for the buses will be taken after judging the response from the commuters, Mr. Nair said.

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