August 30, 2010 – 12:48 am
Bangalore became perhaps the first city to have Mercedes Benz city bus. Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has recently aquired two Mercedes Benz buses to run them on a trial basis. The trial started from 28th August, 2010 on few selected routes like 335 (Majestic – Kadugodi) and 365 (Majestic – Electronic city) followed by Vijaynagar – ITPL, Bannerghatta etc. Basically as other series Volvo high end buses they will be run in the IT and Tourist circuit.
To popularize the service BMTC has announced a promotional fare of Rs 5 for 3 days for any distance. After that, Mercedes Benz buses will have the same fare as the Volvo buses. When the city has over 400 Volvo buses and I heard they are makes huge loses, what prompted BMTC to go for trial run of Mercedes buses. It is not that I am complaining – I am certainly not! I am happy that these beauties (Mercedes Benz) will criss-cross Bangalore. Looks like the Merc buses are coming cheaper at Rs 65 lakh/bus and the Volvo B7R used to cost Rs 75 lakh/bus. In terms of looks the exterior of the bright red Volvos are good, however I heard the interiors of Mercedes Benz buses are better.
The Karnataka state owned intercity transport agency – KSRTC is already running a few Mercedes Benz buses on the Bangalore – Mysore route and planning to add another 10.
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