Long-distance buses to get a new look

HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Corporation long-distance buses, are likely to don a new look soon. Facing stiff competition from private operators, whose buses look attractive, the state transporter had decided to give a makeover to its fleet.
"We are looking at new colour schemes for our buses," said an RTC official. The views of commuter groups will be considered before selecting the most popular colour combinations.
The RTC runs air-conditioned sleeper coaches, air-conditioned buses, luxury, hitech and express services on longdistance routes with innovative offers.
However, private operators are cutting into the RTC''s profits with their sleeker buses.
"The RTC has all the facilities that private operators offer. Our fare structure is also less.However, the bland look of our fleet is not attracting commuters. The new look will not put a major financial burden on the corporation," the official added.
The proposed makeover is part of the corporation''s new strategy of ‘profit for survival''. Towards this, the corporation is taking pains to understand the demands and problems of its passengers. Depot managers have been asked to board buses to elicit the views of commuters.