BMTC to run Mercedes Benz buses on trial basis

The Bangalore Metroplitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will run Mercdes Benz buses in Bangalore city for three months on a trial basis. For the first three days, the passengers using these buses will be charged only Rs 1 for a trip, said R Ashok, minister for transport.

Talking to reporters, here today, he said depending on the response from commuters, the corporation will take a decision on buying Benz buses for use. For the three month trial period, the Mercedes Benz has offered three buses free of cost, he said.

He said BMTC is also introducing free internet facility to commuters on the Volvo buses. The service will be first made available in one bus plying to and from the international airport.

The transport department has initiated measures to reduce the consumption of diesel in state transport buses, he said adding that the savings was made due to the usage of ethanol. Presently, 7.7 per cent ethanol is mixed with diesel in about 1,200 buses operated to Mysore, Davanagere, Bangalore Rural and Hassan depots. The government has requested the Central government to give permission for increasing the percentage of ethanol further. The use of ethanol has resulted in reduction of pollution, he said.

Ashok said, last year, 1.1 million litres of ethanol was used by the transport department and this year, it has been planned to purchase 4 million litres. The tenders have been floated for supply from the sugar mills, he added.