Volvo buses run by private operators are virtual running coffins, I, as a regular traveler on the Hyderabad-Bangalore route, can vouch. I normally travel by the Volvos operated by either Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) or APSRTC. But very often, I am forced to travel by the private-run Volvos. This ghastly accident may make me think twice before I take these buses henceforth.
Apparently, the drivers of the public transport corporations are trained to drive the bus by Volvo, the Swedish maker of the vehicle. As a result, these drivers are well-trained in all the functions of the bus and will be in full control of the vehicle even if it is plying at a speed of 100 kmph speed.
On the other hand, the private operators are not so fully aware of the functions of the Volvo and the untrained drivers cannot control the vehicle if anything happens to it at a high speed. Most of the private buses take off from Bangalore anywhere between 10-30 and 11.30 pm and cover the distance of about 575 kms to Hyderabad in about seven hours and this would require the bus to touch a speed of anywhere between 120 km to even 140 km per hour. The passengers who are inside the bus can never guess the speed and since the vehicle operates during night time, they are normally asleep.
The bus fare for per person from Bangalore to Hyderabad ranges between Rs 900 to Rs 3,000, depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. The normal capacity of an air-conditioned Volvo is 49 passengers but the private bus operators cram more. The ill-fated Jabbar Travels bus was carrying 51 passengers including the driver and cleaner, I am told.
Another reason for the private-operated Volvos to be accident prone is because of driver fatigue. Public transport buses have two drivers who take turns to steer the vehicle. But private operators employ a single driver who drives the entire distance non-stop. Therefore, he is liable to make more errors. Yet another reason the private Volvo buses turn into death rides is because they are not modified for Indian conditions. The Volvo buses are made for European conditions and, if any minor mishap takes place, the doors get locked automatically. The drivers of private operators do not unlock these mechanisms, as it happened with the ill-fated Jabbar Travels bus. The driver jumped out of the bus leaving the passengers to be burnt.
There are many makes of luxury buses but the Volvo is the best.
Volvo buses are the best as they are the most comfortable for travelling long distances. Even at a speed of 100 km, a passenger will not feel the slightest discomfort. That is why they are the most sought after. But after this accident, I will never travel by the private operated Volvo, I again assert.
Times of India
