BENGALURU: The first ever inter-city service of KSRTC electric buses in the state was launched on Monday at Bengaluru’s Majestic bus station.
The prototype of the zero-emission bus is manufactured by a Hyderabad-based company. The KSRTC electric bus left Bengaluru at 6.45 am and reached Mysuru at 8.45 am. The cost of the ticket has been fixed Rs 300 per head. The first set of passengers were given roses and welcomed aboard. The electric bus has been named ‘EV-Power Plus’.
The electric bus is an eco-friendly bus that will give passengers a new experience. The KSRTC officials said that more EV bus services will be started gradually to various parts of the state. In the first phase, the KSRTC intends to put 50 buses on the road and also has plans to introduce them in Madikeri, Virajpet, Dharwad and Shivamogga. The bus is a non-stop bus from Bengaluru to Mysuru.
The KSRTC EV Power Plus has a driving range of 300 km after two hours of charging. The bus has 43+2 seating capacity and charging points have been installed for the convenience of passengers. For entertainment purposes, two LED screens have been installed and for safety, CCTV cameras have been installed inside the bus.
” I am very happy about the launch of the first ever inter-city electric bus. The response was very good on the first day. This bus is good compared to the Volvo bus. The cost of the bus is also lesser. The fare from Majestic bus stand to Mysuru is Rs 320 and from Satellite bus stand, it is Rs 300. The electric bus has all facilities”, said Srinath, the conductor of the KSRTC EV bus.