148 non-AC electric buses launched in Bengaluru | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: The number of electric buses operated by BMTC is all set to cross the 1,500 mark.On Friday, transport minister Ramalinga Reddy launched 148 new non-AC e-buses. The buses will be operated by TML Smart City Mobility Solutions Ltd, a subsidiary of Tata Motors. BMTC has reached an agreement with the private operator for running a total of 921 buses. These buses are operated on a contractual basis for a period of 12 years, and BMTC pays Rs 41 per kilometre to the operator. The buses have an assured range of 200km on a single charge.The buses have a seating capacity of 35 passengers plus one wheelchair space. Each vehicle has three cameras inside and one rear-view camera. There are four LED destination boards with voice announcement systems, apart from 10 panic buttons for women’s safety. The buses also have buttons to request stop, and pneumatic doors that remain locked while the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, for passenger convenience, there is a kneeling mechanism and wheelchair ramp for easy boarding by senior citizens, differently abled and wheelchair users. tnn