CTU to hire 20 buses for intercity operations under km scheme

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Chandigarh, June 18

The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) has decided to hire 20 AC diesel buses for intercity operations on a km basis.

Unable to get response twice earlier, the department has invited bids for the third time. On the other hand, the CTU Workers’ Union has opposed the move of the department to hire buses under the km scheme. Earlier, 40 electric buses running in the city were hired under the scheme and the department will receive 40 more electric buses by the next month.

An official of the department said the main aim was to motivate people to prefer the use of public transport as a means of travelling to personal transport by modernising the fleet and operations and improve the quality and outlook of the buses so that these were comfortable, aesthetic and attractive.

It will be the responsibility of the selected firm to keep the buses in working condition and clean. These buses will be hired on a km basis for 10 years, which can be extended by one year depending on the condition of the buses.

In the 20 diesel buses, the driver will be engaged by the firm, while the conductor will be from the CTU. The agency will have to deliver the buses within 90 days of the issuance of the allotment letter. Interested agencies can submit their proposals by July 12 and the bid will be opened on the same day.

The new buses will be equipped with air conditioning and heating facilities. Also, the front destination board will be LED-based. Each bus will have close to 47 seats. CCTV cameras will also have to be provided in the buses.