MTC's new low-floor buses and I have some thoughts.

So yeah, TN Government has launched new low-floor buses. These buses are now more friendly towards the disabled and elderly who face certain difficulties in traveling in public buses. I have travelled in these for a while since 2nd of Jan and I have decided to pen down my thoughts on these buses. The Good: 1. Entrance and exit: The entrance and exit points are now moved a bit more to the front, similar to the Volvo 8400 models we had AC configuration (yes I'm a bus veriyan). 2. Ease of entering: This new low-floor buses are more on the ground and have lesser GC, which brings the footboard to about 550mm. This helps a lot of people board and de-board the bus with ease. 3. Comfort: These brands of buses are VERY comfortable. About a 200x upgrade from the red buses and the khaki-esque colored ones that are plying. The suspension and ride quality is supreme. I have dozed off twice in these buses already, something that never happens in other buses. 4. Autobox: Since these new buses are completely automatic, they are more kinder towards the drivers and the travelers, as they are far smoother in terms of ride quality. No clunky shifts and the bus suddenly pulling forward. Allison T280 series Torque Converters are pretty quick and nice. The Bad: 1. Lack of headroom in the back is pretty evident. Anyone tall or long necks can easily be cramped for room. 2. Not much standing room in the back, behind the second door. 3. Reduced to 35 seats from the original 48 seats. More standing population hence. 4. There is close to zero airflow within the bus, as all the windows are either perched high or perched low. Confirm discomfort in terms of heat. 5. This is an MTC problem in general, but the machines are faulty. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Conductors just start giving out old tickets in this case. Final Opinion: Excellent initiative by TN Gov. These buses should ply more in cities and should ideally completely replace the red colored ones and they should have an AC Bus Avatar as well. This design in meant for AC buses only.