The authorities have not yet received any direction regarding the service launch of low floor bus, though the first low floor bus has reached the KSRTC bus depot here.
“As many as seven low floor buses are allotted for the Kottayam depot under the Central Government’s JnNURM project. One of them has reached already. However, we haven’t got any instructions about its launch,” KSRTC inspector V M Chacko said.
The routes on wh ich the low floor bus would ply would also have to be decided. “It would be decided from the zonal office at Ernakulam,” he added.
Another factor hindering a fast launch is that the low floor buses cannot be driven like an ordinary bus. The drivers have to undergo special training.
The KSRTC Inspector, however, said that they are hopeful that the service of these buses would start soon. With the introduction of low floor buses, the public, especially the elderly people and those on wheelchairs, would find travelling on bus more comfortable. As these buses would not have steps, such commuters could easily mount and alight these vehicles.
However, travellers will have to shell out a little more for the low floor buses. The minimum fare of non ac low floor buses would be Rs 8. These buses would be plying mainly in urban areas.
News: New Indian Express