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Chennai Summer and AC Buses

As the temperatures soar day by day in Chennai, we feel it sweaty and difficult to travel anywhere in the city during the daytime; the day becomes hot and sultry even at 7-30AM.

AC buses that have been introduced in Chennai have come as a godsend blessing for elder people like me. (My earlier post on AC buses here) In spite of the fact that the fare is about 7 times more expensive (than an ordinary "white board" bus), we prefer AC buses for their cool comfort, no pollution, and less crowd. Even in Bangalore during our recent trip (Feb - Mar 2009) we always travelled in AC buses. By the way, Bangalore has more number of AC Volvo buses than we can find in Chennai. Fare from Mandaveli to Central Station is Rs 20/- only.

Yesterday (9 April 2009) Vijaya and I were to go to Anna Road Post Office, and I suggested to Vijaya that we walk a little further to catch a AC bus,than taking a white board 21 from Mandaveli terminus. We were near the Mandaveli signal that time, and as I uttered these words, we saw the AC bus route A1 turning left at the signal. As we had still 150 metres to reach the bus stop, I thought, "Oh, we missed it ... when will be the next AC bus? ..."

I looked at the driver, the driver looked at me - I don't know what made him think we are potential customers (!). Believe me, he STOPPED the bus then and there, for us to board it. Good and considerate public-service people are still there in India. I was touched by the driver's consideration and I thanked him profusely from my heart.

Our travel for the next half hour was cool and comfortable.

Rajappa
7-30PM on 10 April 2009
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Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 29, 2009 at 1:35 PM

    That's not surprising as most A/C Volvo bus drivers in Chennai, stop when you put your hand... I suppose they have a commission when they take passengers besides...in India people do respect those who travel in A/c.

    ReplyDelete

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