In a first for Trichy, TNSTC rolls out 10 ultra-low entry buses
The non-air-conditioned, low-floor buses are expected to be deployed on new routes following trial runs to determine viable services.
TNSTC has also appealed to Trichy corporation to carry out modification work at the Kalaignar Karunanidhi Bus Terminus (KKBT) in Panjapur to make it conducive to operating low-floor buses.
TNSTC sources said that a total of 320 ULE buses were allocated for seven state transport corporation units, with TNSTC Kumbakonam getting 35 buses, of which 25 were allocated for Trichy city and the remaining 10 for Thanjavur city.
In the first phase, TNSTC Trichy received 10 buses.
The buses were initially allocated only for Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore, but as demand grew to introduce ULEs in Trichy, a few buses have been sanctioned for Trichy, Salem, and Tirunelveli.
"TNSTC introducing the ULE buses in tier-II cities is a welcome move. Perhaps tourist hubs with viable roads can also be focused on by TNSTC in the next phases," Santhapriyan Kamaraj of TNSTC Enthusiasts, a public transport advocacy group, said.
Officials said that new bus routes will be identified and trial runs will be conducted in Trichy city. Locals have stressed the requirement to connect Trichy airport, Railway Junction, and Panjapur KKBT with the new buses. However, trouble appears to be looming for TNSTC in Panjapur, as the current speed breakers on city bus bays and within the terminus pose operational challenges for the low-floor ULE buses.
"TNSTC has verbally informed us about the need to modify the speed breakers in Panjapur terminus.
However, removing them could compromise pedestrian safety. A suitable solution will be worked out," said an official from the Trichy corporation.
Transport advocates have also urged TNSTC to introduce new routes via national highways, where the absence of speed breakers allows smoother transit for low-floor buses.
Maiden Call for Low-Floor Buses in Trichy:
Total allocated for TNSTC Kumbakonam: 35
Trichy city: 25
Thanjavur city: 10
Low-floor buses:
1. No steps, easy to load luggage
2. Digital display boards
3. 40 seats (2X2 layout)
4. PwD friendly access
5. Floor height: 400mm
Potential destinations:
1. Elcot IT park
2. Trichy airport
3. NIT-Trichy
4. Bharathidasan University
5. Samayapuram temple
(Hubs: Panjapur, Central, Chathiram)
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