Noida Metro’s city bus service will add 50 non-AC buses to its fleet

The low floor non air-conditioned buses are being manufactured in Agra under the supervision of Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), which is in charge of the NMRC project.

After completing its first phase of providing 50 air-conditioned buses, Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) has begun the process to introduce 50 non air-conditioned buses.

Currently, the ridership in the Metro’s city bus service has touched 10, 000 a day. (HT File)

According to officials, the process would be completed within four months after which 20 non air-conditioned buses will be purchased. The number will increase further in a phased manner, officials said.

All buses will ply on the existing seven routes to increase the frequency. It will also help in improving last-mile connectivity from all the metro stations in Noida.

The low floor non air-conditioned buses are being manufactured in Agra under the supervision of Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), which is in charge of the NMRC project.

The non air-conditioned buses will have a different colour coding which will help people recognize them easily.

“The city bus service launched in Greater Noida has come as a breather for us as we were lacking public transport facilities. It is a great initiative to improve last-mile connectivity. I believe the commuters will welcome the service with overwhelming relief, especially during the scorching summer days,” said Sudeep Sahu of Sector Beta-1 in Greater Noida

At present, the ridership in city buses has touched 10, 000 a day. In January, it had remained confined to 6, 000 when there were only 38 buses. Taking into consideration the rise in ridership, five new routes have been chalked out in addition to the existing seven routes.

The new routes will cater to the population both in city and villages, besides townships which are devoid of public transportation.

Sandeep Raizada, officer on special duty, NMRC, said, “The buses will help in improving last-mile connectivity from all metro stations. Within four months, we will get all the buses ready in a phased manner and they will have to be registered with the transport department.”