MTC plans to operate more A/C buses

Officials said that already 40 AC services are back in the fleet and the number is expected to increase to at least 70 shortly. 

MTC sources said that four years ago, 100 air-conditioned buses were serving the commuters on different routes. However, a majority of the vehicles were withdrawn gradually owing to loss of revenue and put on long-distance routes. There were also complaints about the seatings and the air-conditioner not working properly in some buses. At present, only 20 to 25 such vehicles are part of the MTC services.

Aswathy Dilip, Programme Manager, Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, said, “It is high time that MTC officials initiated steps to ensure comfortable travel for the public. Further, the concern of officials should not be revenue alone. Considering this, more number of A/C buses should be operated.” 

The officials may conduct a study to identify potential routes where there will be high patronage for A/C buses throughout the year and not just restrict them as summer special alone, she added. 

When contacted by DTNext, a senior staff of MTC, on condition of anonymity, said that they have received funds. “We have already sent a proposal to the government for carrying out repairs in A/C buses. There is a flurry of requests to operate more such buses during summer. Soon, 70 A/C buses will be on the roads,” the official said. 

Meanwhile, MTC’s decision has got thumbs up from commuters. “Everyone knows that heat in the city is shooting up. So, these A/C buses will be beneficial during summer,” said J Murali, a techie.