Kerala: Now, travel luxuriously on normal fare

KOZHIKODE: Commuters can now enjoy luxury travel on the Koyilandy-Thamarasserry road with no extra fare. ‘Faiz travels’ has introduced a hi-tech bus service with facilities such as AC, GPS, Wifi and CCTV. The automatic announcing system will announce the approaching bus stops, a big help to passengers. The CCTV ensures the safety of passengers, especially womenfolk.

“The idea is to attract more passengers by offering new facilities and at the same time not levying extra charges,” said bus manager P. Lijeesh. The bus was  launched a week ago and so far the response from passengers has  been overwhelming, he added. Lijeesh says that Rs 45 lakh has been invested for the hi-tech bus and the facilities would be expanded to other services of the same company.

“Comfort travel is quite a wonderful experience. The announcing system helps a new passenger on the route especially while raining, as one cannot see outside from the bus,” said Nanu. K, a passenger. He added that the CCTV would help end pick-pocketing in the bus during rush hours.

Neelima, a working woman said that she found the CCTV system helpful as it would curb the groping women had to suffer in the bus. “I am thinking of going in the bus regularly. The fear of the CCTV presence should discourage potential eve teasers in the bus,” she pointed out. Though wifi bus services had started appearing in the rural areas of the district, ‘Faiz’ is the first-of-its-kind with so many facilities.