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-   -   KSRTC launches the 'Mercedes-Benz' Bangalore-Mysore bus. (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/commercial-vehicles/60790-ksrtc-launches-mercedes-benz-bangalore-mysore-bus-4.html)

This bus now plies 6pm schedule from bangalore to chickmagalur. Took this bus last friday. Volvo is much better i feel. One the run it seems fine, a bit more noisier, A/C vents don't seem to comfort the passengers well (atleast me). Sound system was a joke - as every passenger wanted to see and listen the movie, but was too loud - later it was reduced.. Bus was late by 1 hr as it couldn't return from mysore ontime. Stuck in traffic for another 1.5hrs. later 2 sudden brakes woke us all up - once don't know why, second time because of an oncoming truck (was face to face when bus managed to stop just in time).. Finally - driver managed to run over the road divider with loud bang and few hops.. Now this bus runs a cracked windshield. Overall - I was not a happy passenger on this bus.

Whats the fare from Bangalore - Chikmagalur ? Is it as same as Volvo fare?
Any idea about the return journey(CKM-BLR) timings ?

It is the same fare as of Volvo. In fact, I booked thinking it is a Volvo and was pleasantly surprised to see Mercedes Benz pulling in to pick us up.
And regarding the return journey timing, sorry, I am not aware..

The reason for operators going in for the Mercedes buses is their better fuel economy.. u do pay an extra amount (one time) but do get ur money back with time as u end up spending less on the diesel after each trip..

Merc buses are claimed to be faster as well

While I don't refute your claim, KSRTC does not own Mercedes buses. The bus that it received from Benz for trial is being rotated among different routes (To check performance on different types of roads). There is no consideration of "fuel economy" in this process - since its only a trial before purchase. Given KSRTC's normal ways of decision making, its highly unlikely that it would purchase Mercedes buses (unless the head-honchos get their share of money).

Errr.. i wasnt saying KSRTC has purchased them. I was referring to a general case of why operators (like Neeta / Sharma / Konduskar etc) are shifting to MBs.
But yes, FE does play a very important role. What other parameters than u think will be considered during a trial process? Yes, under the table money is a big thing in Govt organisations, but dont forget MB is trying hard to get hold of a good share in India, them being the biggest outside India..so u never know what might end up happening

Is there any fare hike compared to Volvo buses?

Spotted this last evening while driving back to bangy on mysore road. Looks like the luxury line up from Swaraj with the Isuzu engine.

Weird number plate, Its written AP KA 09 TA 4206 in kannada! Hope it does not belong to Kerala transport.

Oh man, the Scorpio Rear mirrors are BIG :D

Maintenance of these hi-tech buses? A big question.

I recently traveled in Airavat to Chennai. The buses are worst maintained. There was leakage of water inside the bus from the AC. Almost all the seats near the window had it. They replaced the sweater sort of bedsheets with normal clothes. And you could feel every thump and vibration on road.

It made no difference to normal Airbuses, except for those fares..

I dont know, if KSRTC has some speical task force to de-fame the Volvo. It was not like this before 3 years when I use to travel in Airavat.

Well i had travelled in those isuzu buses. Nothing extraordinary other than ac and interiors which feels more like an airplane. Speeds are lower than a volvo

Perhaps, the buses were simply younger three years before.

But still must agree that KSRTC and BMTC are the best public transport the country ever has, i have travelled all over south and recently some parts of Maharashtra, the public transport is pathetic if you compare it to BMTC.

We atleast have clean and effecient and frequent buses plying on our roads.

The number of Volvo buses on the normal routes have doubled in the recent past, i seldom see ordinary bus plying in my area, and even the regular bus is now getting replaced with new ones and that too with Air -Suspension.clap:

Great going KSRTC and BMTC

is Mercedes finally making a dent to Volvo's market share?

Travelled by KSRTC Merc yesterday evening from Bangalore to Mysore.

Interiors :
The bus has funky LED lit interiors. The upper luggage holder deck is all plastic. The AC vents can control the amount flow but not the direction of flow. The reading lamps are good. The interior feels plasticky and there is no carpeting.

Seats :
The seats are not as chunky and comfortable as in Volvo. Also the Hip point of the seat is set higher and this meant inadequate back support. Under thigh support is not as good in Volvo. The seat recliner on my seat was damaged and this meant the seat would comeback to its original position. This was not expected in a brand new bus.

AC :
The AC is pretty good as well as the circulation.

Drive (Perception) :
The pick-up is surely missing. I could see the bus struggling to move ahead after slowing down for speed breakers. This in spite of the bus being in first gear. The bus takes a lot of time to attain triple digit speeds, once there, cruises comfortably. I feel the turbo-lag is huge and the first two gears are very sluggish. This is because, the bus struggles to move ahead in these gears.

Ride Quality :
Excellent and smooth. The engine and road noise is very well insulated.

Comparo :

Compared to Volvo, Merc is surely not as nimble and luxurious. But it is still better than Isuzu.
My Rankings,
1.Volvo
2.Merc
3.Isuzu