CHENNAI: In a few days’ time Chennai will have its first two electric buses plying on its roads on trial basis. The two buses will ply on city roads as soon as their routes are decided.
M R Vijayabhaskar, Minister of Transport, announced it in the Assembly. He said that Ashok Leyland had planned to roll out two buses for the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) at its own cost. A government order to this effect had been passed, permitting the company to operate in the city from Monday, July 22.
As per the company, the two buses which will ply on Chennai roads on trial basis will be air conditioned e-buses. Under the agreement with state government one e-bus would come with the battery-swap technology, and the other bus will have fast-changing technology installed. Both e-buses will be registered in Ashok Leyland’s name, the company would be responsible for providing drivers and conductor for operation of the buses. The collection is to be remitted to the city transport corporation.