AC Low floor buses launched by Delhi CM on World Environment Day

New Delhi, June 5 (UNI) Delhiites preferring to commute to their offices in the air-conditioned comfort of their cars now have an alternative.

For, beginning today, swanky air conditioned low floor buses will run on Delhi roads to provide officegoers a comfortable ride to their offices.

The first lot of eight red coloured AC Low Floor CNG Buses was today launched by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit from the India Gate lawns as part of the state Government endeavour to facilitate the switchover from private vehicle to public transport.

Speaking to reporters after the launch of these AC buses, equipped with advanced features like Automatic temperature control and roof mounted AC system, heating system for Winter, Barrier free access to the disabled persons, step less entry with floor height of 390mm, automatic transmission, air suspension and pneumatically controlled doors, the Chief Minister said,''these buses are basically meant to serve as an alternative mode of transport to those who prefer to travel to their offices in the air conditioned comfort of their cars, as part of our endeavour to facilitate a switchover from private vehicles to public transport to reduce congestion on roads.'' Ms Dikshit said it was a momentous occasion in that this was the first time that such buses were being introduced on the Delhi roads.

The fare of these buses, costing Rs 67 lakh each, ranges between Rs 10 and Rs 25.

The Chief Minister, however, clarified that these buses would not operate on routes covered by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

''Care will be taken to ensure that these buses are run on routes other than those covered by the Delhi Metro,'' the Chief Minister said.

Of the eight buses launched today, two would operate on the Mudrika route, while three buses would operate on the route number 522 between Dr Ambedkar Nagar Terminal and New Delhi Railway Station. Three other buses would run on route number 534 between Anand Vihar Bus Terminal and Qutub Minar.

Speaking at the function, where Delhi Transport Minister Haroon Yusuf, Health Minister Yoganand Shastri, the director of the Centre for Science and Environment Sunita Narain, former chairman of the Environment Pollution control authority Bhure Lal and other dignitaries were present, the Chief Minister said the Delhi Transport Corporation would operate 25 such air conditioned low floor CNG buses by the end of this month.

Further, the DTC is in the process of procuring 1000 air conditioned low floor and 250 air conditioned semi low floor CNG propelled city buses.

These air condiitoned buses will be progressively inducted during 2009-10.

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