A new low-floor bus run by the Assam State Road Transport Corporation

Guwahati, Sept. 24: Commuting within the city is set to become a “joyride”. Come January 1 and 18 ultra-modern, low-floor buses with hydraulic doors will be introduced on two long-distance routes.

“The new fleet will provide the ultimate experience in inter-city commuting,” transport minister Anjan Dutta said. “In fact, travelling in these new buses will be a joyride,” he added.

The minimum fare for a ride in these buses, which will be coloured blue with a red strip running along the middle, would be Rs 5, he said.

Dutta said because of its length — 38 feet each — the buses would not be able to ply on some of the narrow roads “though they are very important and oft-taken routes”.

The minister said the low-floor buses have a seating capacity of 45 persons but can easily accommodate 20 more standing passengers. “The elderly and the women will find it easier to climb in and out of these low-floor buses,” he added.

The transport department is now plying a low-floor bus in the city on a trial basis. The bus was introduced in July.

The new fleet will replace some rickety buses on the two routes and bring relief to a large number of passengers who have to travel a long distance every day.

The introduction of the new buses is part of the transport department’s efforts to modernise and streamline city commuting. As part of the department’s plan, “deluxe express city buses” have been barred from carrying more than their seating capacity. Mini city bus services will soon be extended till 10 pm.

The department was also considering introducing evening bus service, which will commence at 2 pm and run till 11 pm. With the introduction of evening buses the city buses that ply during the day will go off the roads at 5 pm.

Despite the transport department’s ambitious plans, it has still not been able to enforce any guidelines for autorickshaw fare, which the drivers collect according to their whims and fancy. Dutta said the department was looking into the matter and will come out with a foolproof scheme very soon.

Way back in July, the department had announced plans to open 20 pre-paid counters for autorickshaws in different parts of the city. It had also decided not to allow any autorickshaw driver to park his vehicle on the stand if he does not operate from the pre-paid counters. But the plan is yet to be implemented.