Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

You can now watch movies of your choice while on a long-distance journey on select KSRTC buses. The State-owned Corporation has introduced ‘In House Entertainment’ on Bangalore-Mumbai route, on a trial basis. 

 
Launched in the third week of November, the facility is now available in the 47-seat Volvo Club Class buses (two vehicles). Passengers can surf as many as 60 channels on the LCD screen television fitted to the seats.

However, the luxury is not available on the 47th seat. A remote control makes the task easy and you can sway to your favourite music on the earphones. The screens fitted on the extended headrest provide a comfortable and adjustable viewing angle.

A satellite antenna on the top of the bus catches signals. Integrated Consultancy Services has provided the technical support.

While there is no need to pay additional sum to enjoy the movies on the move, officials say, depending on the passenger response, there may be an increase of Rs 100 over the present fare of Rs 1,200.

Anusha Ravishankar, who travelled from Bangalore to Mumbai on December 1, recounts her experience. “It was fantastic and came as a surprise to many. One should also praise the KSRTC for its efforts to ensure that the conductors were well trained in the technology,” said Anusha.

K A Rajkumar, Director (Operations), KSRTC says that the technology has been adopted in public transport for the first time and there will be scope for improvement. “There are a couple of private operators who provide the same at a premium. With no change in ticket prices, KSRTC has provided this luxury to its passengers only to ensure they travel again with us,” he said.

Flipside

However there is a downside. Anusha informs that the connection is switched off after 11 pm. “I did not like it as I was in the middle of a film on a particular channel. I really wish the next time I travel this problem is solved.”

Ganganna Gowda, Regional Controller, said the Corporation had been receiving feedback from passengers through e-mail as well. Suitable changes would be made after one month into the project.

However, the commuter interest in the Internet facility provided in Vajra and Vayu Vajra services is on the wane. With most tablet computers not connecting to the Internet, BMTC is not looking forward to procuring more of the tablet PC screens provided by EAFT Technologies. Around 25 Volvos have 600 touch screen tablets.