Team-BHP > Commercial Vehicles


Reply
  Search this Thread
2,672,693 views
Old 29th March 2018, 09:54   #3916
Senior - BHPian
 
dailydriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Cynical City
Posts: 1,213
Thanked: 6,365 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

The 13.31 Airavat Club Class from Chikkamagaluru to Bengaluru that I took yesterday was supposed to reach Majestic by 18.00 hrs. A jolly fellow that he was, the driver preferred to drive at his leisure and I suspect, for his pleasure! He even stopped at a roadside sugarcane juice vending cart and helped himself to a glass. Bar the Nelamangala toll, all others were free and even after entering the city, the roads were relatively less crowded. Still, it was close to 18.45 when I got down near Sujatha.

The ride was just okayish; a lot of vibrations creeped through and i got a dose of free lower body massage. Unlike the last time, there was no WiFi available. I was told that only the newer Benz buses have that facility and not the Volvos (can't corroborate it though).

A good thing about most Airavats, including this one, is that even if the trip is supposed to end at Majestic, you can opt to get down at the Shanthinagar Bus Terminal or anywhere enroute at no extra cost or effort.
dailydriver is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 29th March 2018, 11:42   #3917
Senior - BHPian
 
silversteed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Electri-City
Posts: 2,334
Thanked: 2,188 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

Quote:
Originally Posted by dailydriver View Post
The 13.31 Airavat Club Class ...A jolly fellow that he was, the driver preferred to drive at his leisure and I suspect, for his pleasure!
KaSRTC has mileage targets and drivers prefer meeting them, to making up for time lost in traffic and/or breaks. The former probably offers incentives to the drivers. For this reason, they shift to 6th gear at the lowest speed possible and keep lugging the engine instead of down-shifting. The MTC Chennai drivers try the same trick too - have seen some drivers take even 90 degree turns in 5th gear at ~25kmph.
Quote:
He even stopped at a roadside sugarcane juice vending cart and helped himself to a glass.
Let's cut some slack there
silversteed is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 29th March 2018, 18:40   #3918
Senior - BHPian
 
binaiks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KL-47 // KL-53
Posts: 1,828
Thanked: 1,158 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

Quote:
Originally Posted by dailydriver View Post
A good thing about most Airavats, including this one, is that even if the trip is supposed to end at Majestic, you can opt to get down at the Shanthinagar Bus Terminal or anywhere enroute at no extra cost or effort.
That doesn't apply to all Airavats - this facility is only for buses operated by Bangalore-2/4 depots. Buses operated by other depots would terminate at Majestic itself.
binaiks is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 29th March 2018, 19:11   #3919
Senior - BHPian
 
dailydriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Cynical City
Posts: 1,213
Thanked: 6,365 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

Quote:
Originally Posted by binaiks View Post
this facility is only for buses operated by Bangalore-2/4 depots.
Is it so?

The one I travelled in did belong to Depot 2 as do all the Airavats operated between Bengaluru-Chikkamagaluru .

During my trips starting at 13.31, 14.32 and 16.11, I occasionally have to catch a connecting bus from Shantinagar and hence depend on these buses to take me there. They always drop me outside the depot gate. Strangely, only the 13.31 service lists Shantinagar as an official drop off point; the rest don't. But they DO go there.
Attached Thumbnails
Intercity Bus travel reviews-img_20180329_190753.png  

dailydriver is offline  
Old 30th March 2018, 11:29   #3920
Senior - BHPian
 
binaiks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KL-47 // KL-53
Posts: 1,828
Thanked: 1,158 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

Quote:
Originally Posted by dailydriver View Post
Is it so?

The one I travelled in did belong to Depot 2 as do all the Airavats operated between Bengaluru-Chikkamagaluru .

During my trips starting at 13.31, 14.32 and 16.11, I occasionally have to catch a connecting bus from Shantinagar and hence depend on these buses to take me there. They always drop me outside the depot gate. Strangely, only the 13.31 service lists Shantinagar as an official drop off point; the rest don't. But they DO go there.
If the service doesn't list Shantinagar as a drop point, the crew aren't obliged to let you travel till there - though majority of the crew do allow you. Some of them do not directly go to the depot - some buses take a long break near race course to unload parcels, some crew like to finish all the accounting work before they reach the depot - so they park the bus en route, finish ticket accounting, the accounting of the blankets and such stuff and finally head to the depot.

Therefore, even if the bus is from a Bangalore depot, you cannot be fully sure that they'd drop at Shantinagar.
binaiks is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 29th April 2018, 09:15   #3921
Senior - BHPian
 
SchumiFan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bangalore
Posts: 1,041
Thanked: 1,161 Times

Traveled in the new Kerala Lines service between Bangalore and Chennai on Friday night.

It's a 2+1 configuration bus with 40 seats in them. A B11r Volvo. Bus is beautiful with interiors nicely done.

Coming to the seats itself, it is huge. No more brushing of hands with fellow passengers. Had USB port I think for charging in each seats.

The seat doesn't recline as much as in the standard Volvos. It was a little disappointing. But I was pretty happy with the width of the seats.

Will be using the same service back to Bangalore and will be using the single seater this time. Things should be better.

Bus goes till Velachery and that's a positive for me.

The driving was good. Bus seems more powerful than B9rs and it was reflective in the way it picked up speeds. Was cruising at 100 kmph in the highways like the rest of the fellows. I was seated almost in the middle so ride was good as well.

Was delayed by an hour since the van picking up the passengers was late to arrive at Madiwala.

Otherwise it was a pleasant experience.
Attached Thumbnails
Intercity Bus travel reviews-1524973452411.jpg  

Intercity Bus travel reviews-1524973465535.jpg  

Intercity Bus travel reviews-1524973476638.jpg  

Intercity Bus travel reviews-1524973492027.jpg  


Last edited by SchumiFan : 29th April 2018 at 09:20.
SchumiFan is offline   (5) Thanks
Old 29th April 2018, 16:00   #3922
BHPian
 
Spinnerr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Bangalore
Posts: 417
Thanked: 481 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

Did you guys get to read how a Kerala bound bus from Bengaluru (Lama Travels) was hijacked, along with all the 42 passengers.

The news first popped up on whatsapp groups and then on mainstream media.

Link 1: The NewIndianExpress

Link 2: The NEWS minute

Quote:
The bus operated by Lama Travels with KA01AG636 registration number, had started from Kalasipalyam at around 9:45 pm with 42 passengers on board.

The men on the bike posing as policemen told the bus driver that they wanted to inspect the contents of the bus and directed the bus to a nearby godown.

A police official said, “There was some problem with the financing. The company wanted to get back the loan amount, so it diverted the bus to a godown.”

Last edited by Spinnerr : 29th April 2018 at 16:05.
Spinnerr is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 1st May 2018, 18:32   #3923
BHPian
 
autotranny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Hyd, Thrissur
Posts: 403
Thanked: 439 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

Hello. Does anyone know whether KaSRTC runs any Airawat or similar class buses from Mangalore airport to Kollur. If not, any pointers on the best ways to get there. I do not prefer to take the train. I will be flying in from Hyderabad, family with an infant, so want to avoid as much hassles as possible. Also has anyone taken prepaid taxi from Mangalore airport to Mookambi temple.
autotranny is offline  
Old 1st May 2018, 20:22   #3924
Senior - BHPian
 
binaiks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KL-47 // KL-53
Posts: 1,828
Thanked: 1,158 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

Quote:
Originally Posted by autotranny View Post
Hello. Does anyone know whether KaSRTC runs any Airawat or similar class buses from Mangalore airport to Kollur. If not, any pointers on the best ways to get there. I do not prefer to take the train. I will be flying in from Hyderabad, family with an infant, so want to avoid as much hassles as possible. Also has anyone taken prepaid taxi from Mangalore airport to Mookambi temple.
KSRTC doesn't have any services from Mangalore Airport to Mookambika temple. Prepaid taxis exist - but I haven't used them. The Taxi lobby at the airport is quite strong, and they really do not let KSRTC start services there
binaiks is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 1st May 2018, 22:00   #3925
BHPian
 
autotranny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Hyd, Thrissur
Posts: 403
Thanked: 439 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

Quote:
Originally Posted by binaiks View Post
KSRTC doesn't have any services from Mangalore Airport to Mookambika temple. Prepaid taxis exist - but I haven't used them. The Taxi lobby at the airport is quite strong, and they really do not let KSRTC start services there
Thanks Binai. Just now, came across an article that KSRTC is starting Volvo Low Floor from Mangalore bus stand to Kollur at the request of the temple trustees. The article is dated May'17: so should be operational if indeed they started.
autotranny is offline  
Old 1st May 2018, 22:36   #3926
BHPian
 
drhoneycake's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: KA05,KA31,KA47
Posts: 581
Thanked: 1,778 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

Quote:
Originally Posted by autotranny View Post
Thanks Binai. Just now, came across an article that KSRTC is starting Volvo Low Floor from Mangalore bus stand to Kollur at the request of the temple trustees. The article is dated May'17: so should be operational if indeed they started.
As of today there are no KaSRTC services from Mangaluru to Kollur. It would be better if you can take a taxi to and fro. It should cost around ₹1600-₹2000 depending on the car you hire.

The entire Dakshin Kannada and Udupi district is ruled by the private lobby, there isn’t much services from KaSRTC in those districts apart from long distance routes.

Road till Kundapur is excellent 4-lane post which it is quite a winding route. Also note that the morning darshan closes by 12:30 pm and the afternoon darshan starts at 4 pm.
drhoneycake is online now   (1) Thanks
Old 16th May 2018, 09:46   #3927
Senior - BHPian
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madras
Posts: 3,094
Thanked: 4,488 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

Was exploring bus options for Madras-Rameswaram and found these

KPN sleeper - 1060
Orange sleeper - 1330
YBM sleeper - 14xx

So what's special on offer about Orange and YBM for this premium? There is no boarding point advantage for me in any of the options.
narayans80 is offline  
Old 17th May 2018, 00:15   #3928
Senior - BHPian
 
silversteed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Electri-City
Posts: 2,334
Thanked: 2,188 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

Quote:
Originally Posted by narayans80 View Post
Was exploring bus options for Madras-Rameswaram and found these

KPN sleeper - 1060
Orange sleeper - 1330
YBM sleeper - 14xx

So what's special on offer about Orange and YBM for this premium? There is no boarding point advantage for me in any of the options.
I don't know about the main players on this route, and I don't know about YBM. But what I do know is, KPN was horrible in terms of punctuality and customer service. I also know that Orange is more customer centric and they take feedback seriously. My trips with Orange have been reasonably punctual - I give some leeway.

Chennai Bangalore, Chennai Coimbatore, Bangalore Coimbatore have all been pathetic with KPN, with the bus arriving at the pick up point over an hour behind schedule and at the destination many more hours after the advertised time.

With Orange, Bangalore Hyderabad Bangalore, Bangalore Thrissur, Bangalore Coimbatore were all pleasant experiences. The buses were well kept, ride was comfortable, and punctual.

So, I am ok with paying an extra 300 for peace of mind.
silversteed is offline   (2) Thanks
Old 17th May 2018, 08:18   #3929
BHPian
 
treadmark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Bangalore
Posts: 548
Thanked: 337 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

Quote:
Originally Posted by narayans80 View Post
Was exploring bus options for Madras-Rameswaram and found these
Quote:
Originally Posted by silversteed View Post
So, I am ok with paying an extra 300 for peace of mind.
I don't know anything about this route. But I have travelled in all these service elsewhere.

KPN not sure if it was only for me; all my trips between Bangalore ~ Chennai was always bad and now I know why always there was a seat with KPN even for last minute weekend bookings.

Orange I have used their service between Chennai ~ Thrissur and Bangalore Thrissur quite few times and all of them were punctual.

YBM it was only once (Thrissur ~ Chennai) and that was good but bit rash and this need to be attributed to the driver.

So I'll go with silversteed here.

Cheers!
treadmark is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 17th May 2018, 15:49   #3930
BHPian
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: -
Posts: 953
Thanked: 1,104 Times
Re: Intercity Bus travel reviews

This quick review is about Chirag travels operating between Pune and Nathdwara ( around 60km ahead of Udaipur, Rajasthan).

I had to travel to Nathdwara and booked a Scania sleeper bus from Chirag travels for to and fro journeys.

The onward journey was to start at 2:00pm and the bus showed up on the dot! The bus staff was courteous.
Everyone on the bus was give half liter bottle of packaged water, specially packaged for Chirag Travels.
There was also a blanket provided, which was clean.
The bus driver took sufficient breaks in interest of the travelers.
Bus reached the destination at the committed time.

The return journey was to start at 3:00 PM and again, the bus moved out on the dot.

Overall, the bus was clean and did not have any funny smells which I have experienced in a few other buses.

The bus can also be tracked live and had WiFi facility, though I could figure out on how to use it. Was in no mood to spoil my journey looking at the phone!

Also, a couple of hours before the journey started, I received a message confirming/reminding of my travel.

All this at around Rs. 1800/- was well worth it. I had one of the best experiences so far in a bus journey that was quite long.

Edit: forgot to mention that I also received a follow up call from thier head office to check my satisfaction level with the journey.

Last edited by ObsessedByFIAT : 17th May 2018 at 15:51.
ObsessedByFIAT is offline   (4) Thanks
Reply

Most Viewed
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Team-BHP.com
Proudly powered by E2E Networks