In a step forward towards enhancing urban public transport, an air-conditioned electric double-decker bus has been launched in Maharashtra. The initiative was flagged off by Eknath Shinde, who said that the new bus will ply on the busy Teen Hath Naka-Gaymukh route, which will provide a more comfortable travel experience.
The bus has been inducted into the Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) fleet, with the first unit having already been delivered and undergoing mandatory trials on city and suburban routes before being opened to the public. Shinde also conducted a short test drive with senior officials from the Municipal Corporation headquarters to Louiswadi and back.
Designed to carry a total of 98 passengers, the AC double-decker can seat 65 people while accommodating 33 standing passengers. A total of 10 such buses are planned, with the second unit expected to be inducted by the end of May and the remaining fleet by October.
Each bus is estimated to cost around ₹2 crore and will be operated under the wet lease model, where the contractor manages the procurement, maintenance, drivers and operations. The transport body will pay ₹145 per km for usage. Fares are expected to range between ₹10 to ₹35, making them competitive with existing services.
The 4.5 meter high buses will initially run on highway routes, with the possibility of expansion to other routes depending on feasibility. Officials believe that the addition of these buses will help reduce waiting time and reduce congestion, especially on the busy Ghodbunder corridor.
