These buses are likely to decrease the accident rate as they are equipped with automatic hydraulic doors which shut as soon as buses start moving, she said.
Announcing sops for the festive season, Dikshit said these buses were like a Diwali gift for the city. “All sisters going to greet their brothers on Bhaiya Dooj will be given free tickets on DTC buses between 8 am and 5 pm,” Dikshit said.
“These buses are easy to board and come with a manual ramp for physically challenged passengers. A GPS tracking system is also being put into place for these buses,” said DTC Chairman Anshu Prakash.
“Up to 10-16 per cent of DTC accidents are caused while embarking or disembarking when the bus is still in motion. The new buses have automatic doors. They also have in-built speed governors. These buses cannot run above 40 km/hour,” said Prakash.
Ten buses will ply on route no. 500 between Shivaji Stadium and Saket Terminal connecting Super Bazar, Regal, India Gate, Tughlak Road Police Station, Safdarjung Airport, AIIMS, Khel Gaon Road, Malviya Nagar. As per plans, a total of 500 low floor buses will arrive by next year. Additionally, 25 red-coloured airconditioned buses — with one prototype being unveiled today — will also hit the streets by next year.
These buses have been manufactured by Tata Starbus. “We have collaborated with Marco Polo, a Brazilian company, for these buses. The engine of these buses are placed at the back so there is no heat generated inside the bus. The flooring is only 380 mm from the ground,” said Tata Motors Executive Director P M Telang. “These buses come with automatic transmission, (which means the clutch need not be pressed while changing gears), anti skid brakes, power steering and retarders. We are trying to provide solutions for urban congestion,” Telang said. He also said Tata is committed to providing training to drivers for these buses.