Book NMMT Volvo bus seat along with your train ticket

PILOT PROJECT Service will start between Panvel and CST, will be extended to other terminals later

TURBHE: Soon, you may be greeted by an air-conditioned Volvo bus at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) after you alight from a long-distance train.

The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) has planned a system, whereby passengers will be able to book tickets to NMMT Volvo buses while booking tickets for their long-distance journey. The scheme is expected to be launched soon.

If successful, the facility will be extended to Dadar, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Bombay Central railway stations.

The railway department has given the go-ahead for the booking scheme and hence the service is expected to start soon.

“Many residents make several trips to other cities often, especially during festival times and school summer vacations,” said Shirish Aradvad, general manager of NMMT.

He said, “Most residents have to go all the way to CST to board trains which, at times, is a hassle with the luggage. The travel is expensive by taxi. The NMMT has planned a pilot project to start a bus service daily at 6pm from Panvel to CST and 9am from CST to Panvel. The frequency will be increased later on.”

“While booking a Indian Railway ticket, the NMMT ticket can be booked too. So, once the passengers alight from the train, they do not have to spend too much on taxis. Neither will they have to board a local train to reach Navi Mumbai,” said Aradwad.

He said, “Initially the bus service will be between CST and Panvel. The fare is expected to be around Rs100 to Rs125 a passenger. Since the service will be run through the freeway, it will take around 40 minutes to reach Vashi and another 30 minutes to reach Panvel.”

He said, “We have reached an advanced level of discussions with the railway on the issue and they are positive about the ticket system. We are working out means for time when the NMMT bus service is delayed on a particular day.”

This is one of the several projects that the NMMT has planned this year to improve its services and attract more passengers.