Travel in the millennium city of Gurugram is going to become convenient and safe for commuters as over 100 luxury low floor buses will be rolled into passenger service this month onwards. These ultra-low-floor buses are equipped with all modern features like global positioning system (GPS), CCTV cameras, Public Address system and panic buttons similar to the Delhi Metro.
These modern buses have other features like uniform low floor and folding ramp so that passengers on wheel chairs can board and de-board with ease. The buses kneel 60 millimeters to enable boarding of old and specially-abled passengers, children and women wearing sarees, a first-of-its-kind feature in public transport buses in India. The bus shall have 35 seats and a provision of wheel chair with anchorages. The entire floor in saloon shall be at same level that means no steps inside saloon leading to 15-20% more space for standing passengers when compared to the low entry bus. With the engine laid out transversely and no incline inside, the passengers can also stand and move around at the rear of the bus, with no restriction from the roof.
These buses are called ‘CITYLIFE’ and have been manufactured by JBM Auto Ltd., part of India’s leading automotive player JBM Group, at its state-of-the-art plant in Faridabad (Haryana) and Kosi Kalan (Uttar Pradesh). The bus has been designed keeping in mind Indian traffic and weather conditions. Some unique features include a monocoque structure to ensure maximum strength and minimum weight, matching European standards for safety in case of front/side collision and rollover accidents. Additional safety is provided through five large diameter detachable cylinders with an automatic valve close in case of leakage.