Nov 15, 2011 11:02 AM
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We booked KSRTC volvo buses for our Ooty trip last weekend. It was a round trip. We booked the ticket well in advance,as there is always a rush during weekends. The online booking service was prompt and transparent. Unlike private tour operators,the charges were moderate and suited well to our pockets. We had the options to select our seats as well as the pick up and drop points. Somehow I liked the whole process of booking,without nagging tour operators the work was done.
The bus was about to leave from Shanthinagar Bus station,double road around 2:30 pm. We reached the venue one hour before departure. We were surprised to find an A/C waiting room for volvo passengers! Well,that's remarkable! We had to wait for some time when the Airavat Volvo came. The look of the bus was quite good,and it was specious too. Seats were comfortable,push back with enough leg space. We didn't avail the luggage compartment as we had a single rucksack with us,which was fitted well under the seat. State transport improved quite well I have to say. There was no delay in the departure,the punctuality is really worth of praise.By the time we crossed Kengeri,the bus was totally full. It seems most of the people trusted KSRTC rather than private operators,it was clear from their conversations. Water bottles were distributed as well as the "puking pouches"! The journey was a comfortable one,the driver didn't speed off much. Around 8 pm the bus came to a dinner halt, somewhere near Bandipur. The place was good,with clean toilets and enough sitting arrangements. The food served was tasty and moderately priced. After dinner the journey continued and they played a movie also. The roads became gradually rough,many people in the bus puked,including me! After crossing Gudalur I started feeling uncomfortable,thanks to the conductor that he gave us those "puking pouches"! Finally the bus reached at Ooty bus stop on time,I was relieved to touch the ground after that puking episode. I never expected the conductor being so courteous,but he helped us with our luggage after seeing my condition. C'est formidable,isn't it?
While coming back from Ooty,again the booking was on KSRTC. However,there was no separate waiting room,but the bus came on time. This time I didn't take much chance,had some medicine before boarding the bus itself. When the bus is climbing down,the acceleration rate will be higher so it was advised to take the medicine in advance. We had the seat immediately behind the driver,I didn't appreciate this before. But as we started to descend,I understood,it's better than being seated at the back. The lights at driver's compartment were protected with shades which didn't affect our sleep. Water bottles,pouches and blankets were distributed after the journey started. We enjoyed a good sleep,didn't notice when the bus crossed Mysore and entered Bangalore. Finally we reached Shanthinagar Bus station which was the last point of service at 4 50 am. From there we got the bus for our destination after a 25 minutes wait. It was early morning so the City bus services didn't start yet. The journey was comfortable,without much hassles and delay.
Few guidelines for traveling in KSRTC Volvo buses:
Book the ticket in advance,select the seats of your choice and mention exact pickup and drop points while booking,to avoid confusion during journey.
Carry the ID proof during the travel,the same one mentioned while booking the ticket. It's mandatory.
Arrive on time or in advance before departure,the buses maintain punctuality.
Don't take too much time during dinner or coffee brakes,think about reaching the destination on time.
Carry the ticket during journey,don't throw it away once it's checked. These can be re-checked.
Don't eat too much in case you are travelling in hill area,don't start with empty stomach also. Both cause vomiting. Always ask for plastic covers if you need,don't soil the bus.
Mention clearly to the conductor where you have to get down, to avoid further confusion.
From next time onward I am going to travel by KSRTC volvos only. These trips are pocket friendly,buses are clean and comfortable,service is punctual and people assisting us are cordial and helpful. KSRTC rocks,I never expected a state department bus trip to be so satisfactory.
