Volvo Buses plans to conduct field trials for its multi-axle low floor ‘City Bus’ in Bangalore.
The Volvo 7400XL, 14.5 metres in length, can carry almost 55 per cent more people than previous models – that is over 100 passengers at a time.
The bus has improved fuel efficiency with lower emissions and reduced road space consumption.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Akash Passey, Senior Vice-President – Business Region International, Volvo Bus Corporation, said, “Volvo 7400XL will take the Volvo City Bus concept to a new level in terms of efficient mass bus-based transport systems and operation of fewer buses with less resource utilisation.”
“This introduction comes after 10 years of deep understanding of bus applications in India. “The development of the Volvo 7400XL is through collaboration between global and local design engineers to build an optimum solution for our cities. It also reflects Volvo Buses’ growing strength in creating high-performing bus solutions specific for India,” he added.
CONDUCT TRIALS
Speaking after the inauguration, the Karnataka Minister for Home and Transport, Mr R. Ashok, said that Volvo Buses will conduct trials for the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) for three months free of cost. Trials will be on high density routes in Bangalore, starting with Banshankari to ITPL, Central bus station to Kadugodi, Attebele, Bannerghatta National Park and the Central Silk Board junction to Hebbal.
SERVICES
Mr Ashoka said that the government is serious about extending city transport services to smaller cities.
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, which has taken up this initiative, will soon introduce city services in Mandya with 11 buses, in Kolar with 10 buses, in Tumkur with 30 buses and in Mangalore with eight buses.
