More AC buses to Tirupati from CMBT

A little over a year after the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) introduced air-conditioned buses to Tirupati, it has decided to increase the fleet strength in the luxury category from Chennai.

The decision to add more air-conditioned buses was taken following demand from commuters, sources in the APSRTC said.  “Two new Indra air-conditioned coaches, with a capacity of 44 seats each, is likely to be introduced in January next year,” an APSTRC official said.

“With this, the number of air-conditioned services between Tirupati and Chennai will be increased to 12 in a couple of months,” the official added.

APSTRC had commenced the operation of air-conditioned buses between Tirupati and Chennai from July 25 last year (2011). It is perhaps the only State-owned Transport Corporation that plies air-conditioned coaches to Tirupati from the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) at Koyambedu.

According to an official, APSTRC is running two air-conditioned buses —  Garuda and Indra — with a capacity of 42 and 44 seats, respectively.

Meanwhile, a press release here said that the fare for Tirupati by Garuda and Indra coaches would be Rs 198 and Rs 170, respectively.

Apparently, APSTRC is also operating 45 non-air-conditioned buses — Saptagiri Express — directly for Tirumala, everyday.