Kochi: Amid allegations that the newly-introduced electric buses are not suitable for long-distance services, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is making all efforts to woo passengers by equipping the 34-seater buses with additional facilities like head rest.
"One of the main demands of commuters was head rests. We've asked the contractor to equip the buses with the same. The work has started and already a couple of vehicles have been provided with the facility," said a senior official.
The KSRTC has procured 10 air-conditioned battery electric buses on wet-lease basis and deployed seven of them in the Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi section.
Though the buses were expected to enjoy much commuter patronage, passengers complained the seats are not suited for long distance travel.
"The buses have air suspension bucket seats, LED lighting inside cabin, sound-proof operation and stop buttons in each pole. We've instructed the crew to behave well with passengers. Any minor complaint will be dealt with seriously," the official said.
The collection on week-ends crosses the minimum target of Rs 18, 000 per schedule while that on other days is lesser. The expense runs to nearly Rs 18, 000 as the Corporation will have to pay Rs 43.20 per km to contractor Mumbai-based M/s Mahavoyage LLP. The maximum revenue possible is nearly Rs 25, 000.
Meanwhile, the Corporation plans to deploy a couple of buses on short-haul destinations like Muvattupuzha during week days if the scenario does not change.
The buses can run 280 kms in a single charging. It will take four hours for normal charging and one-and- half hours for fast charging. Though the top speed is 120 kmph, the same is restricted to 80 kmph.
