Old RTC buses to run as ‘student specials'

Corporation to introduce these vehicles only after re-checking their condition

The APSRTC is planning to revamp some old buses and introduce them as ‘student specials' on a few routes for the convenience of students attending colleges on the city suburbs.

12-lakh kmA bus which completes 12-lakh kilometres of operations needs to be scrapped. There are many old buses that have crossed this mark but yet a few of them are good enough to be operated for some more time, said APSRTC Vice-chairman and Managing Director B. Prasada Rao.

The corporation would be introducing these vehicles only after re-checking their condition.

Outdated spares would be replaced with new ones before commencing operations. “We will not compromise on the safety of passengers. We will adhere to all safety norms and then begin services on the college routes,” he said.

“Running time of a bus is not the only factor that needs to be taken into consideration for scrapping a bus. At times, body and chassis of buses, which completes 12 lakh kilometres, gets damaged but the engine continues to be in a good condition. Authorities will identify such buses for extended operations,” he explained.

20 busesPresently, a few such revamped buses were being operated in Khammam and Mahabubnagar districts without any technical glitches. Plans have been chalked out to ply 20 such buses from January for the benefit of college students in Ibrahimpatnam, Hayathnagar and other areas on the suburbs, he said.

“These buses will shuttle for couple of trips in the morning and evening,” Mr. Rao added.