On the third day of its trial run on Friday, the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) indeed became a rapid mode of intra city transport in Ahmedabad.
The 14 BRTS buses plying on city roads for final trial runs were available to commuters every four minutes! With installation of GPS in two buses and an almost operational control room - the buses were seen moving on BRTS corridor in smooth coordination.
"The trial runs are going smooth. On Friday the frequency of buses was increased from a bus every 6 minute on the first day trials to almost one bus after every 4 or 4.5 minutes at the BRTS bus station," said a source close to development.
Moreover, drivers too are now getting comfortable with the buses with commuters getting a close look at their habits. Facilities like the smart card reader, GPS system and its coordination have also enthused drivers.
Municipal commissioner and Ahmedabad Janmarg Limited (AJL) chairman, IP Gautam said, they intend to increase the bus frequency so that passengers can get a BRTS bus every three minutes. The first 12.5 km stretch of BRTS which is to be operational from RTO to Pirana has 19 bus stations. However, at present two bus stations are under construction and one near GMDC is being renovated. According to an estimate, there is one bus station at every 500 metres.
Looking at the number of halts at the bus station in the 12.5 km stretch - frequency of bus at every 3 minutes would be make it a swift medium of transport, feel experts.
Curious passengers who have been watching BRTS on the road for quite some time have started using BRTS not only to enjoy free rides but to commute as well.
"There was a passenger who came in auto rickshaw, got down and boarded BRTS for further transport from RTO circle. Some of the commuters have now started coming regularly," said an official.
