Volvo fails to enthuse techies

Jisha Surya
First Published : 30 Jan 2010

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the KSRTC low-floor Volvo buses failed to become a hit in the city, the techies were dubbed as its last saviours.
Seeing it as part of their eco-friendly campaign, Technopark authorities had come forward to lend a helping hand. But, despite all these efforts, erratic running schedules of the KSRTC are driving techies away from the AC buses.
Technopark authorities are using all possible methods, ranging from emails to banners, to woo the employees to use the Volvo service. But its impact on the techies is another question. Most of them, while welcoming the Volvo, said that they stay away owing to its improper timing. Also, the buses are taking the Medical College-Pettah route, skipping important places, including PMG, Pattom and Kesavadasapuram. Thus, the campaign, which mainly focuses on private vehicle users, is failing to make an impact.
Sunil, an IT professional, said that the Volvo buses were profitable compared to auto. ‘’Most of the companies have cabs. Otherwise, we prefer the Volvo,” he said. However, Shyam, an IT professional, said that he stopped travelling on Volvo because it never sticks to the schedule. ‘’If it arrives on time for three consecutive days, it is sure to be late on the fourth day. Volvos are convenient, but what is the use if we have to wait for hours?’’ he asks.
When contacted, KSRTC MD T.P.Senkumar said that the change of schedule would take time.
Technopark CEO Mervin Alexander said that the introduction of Volvos had brought about a marginal change in the parking problem at Technopark. ‘’Almost 200-250 employees are using the facility. We are on a campaign for the promotion of Volvo services, since it can solve our parking problem, cost of operation of companies and in solving traffic congestion in general. We see it as an environment-friendly initiative,’’ he said.
Technopark authorities have repeatedly asked the IT companies to use the Volvo service. In fact, it had even introduced special gifts. It is now the turn of the KSRTC to offer the gift of proper timing.