Automobile
Metro witnesses ridership drop by 1 lakh due to Covid in Bengaluru
The Namma Metro and city bus services witnessed a massive drop in ridership on a daily basis due to Covid-19 restrictions. The number of metro commuters has dropped from 3.5 lakh to 2.5 lakh in less than a month.
To avoid overcrowding on platforms, BMRCL has decided to regulate the entry of commuters into stations.
After the weekend curfew was introduced, the frequency of trains dropped from 20 to 30 minutes.
Daily ridership dropped by 1 lakh
Anjum Parwez, managing director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) was quoted by The Hindu as saying, ”After the second wave of the pandemic, ridership had increased gradually and touched 3.5 lakh daily, but it has now reduced by 1 lakh. Daily-earnings have come down from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 55 lakh. We are following the State Government’s guidelines and are allowing passengers as per seating capacity.”
City buses have also recorded a drop in commuters. Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which had seen ridership touch 23-24 lakh a day, said it has reduced to below 20 lakh.
In order to protect themselves, people are opting for private modes of transport as a precaution. The closure of schools and colleges and work from home have also resulted in reduced travelling.
Automobile
Improved version of Hyundai Creta launched in Indian market: Check it out here
Hyundai India launched the much-awaited Creta Knight Edition in the country at a starting price of Rs 13.51 lakh (ex-showroom, all-India). This new variant is available in both petrol and diesel engine options and can be had either with a manual or an automatic transmission unit. To read more about the Creta Knight Edition, click here. In addition to this, the company has also introduced a model-year update for the Hyundai Creta with new feature additions.
The 2022 Hyundai Creta is now available in a new Denim Blue colour option and the Highline TPMS is now standard across all variants. The SX (O) trim now also gets a glossy black centre console. Furthermore, the company will offer the iMT option on the 1.5-litre petrol ‘S’ variant to further expand choices for the customers. The new S+ variant powered by a 1.4-litre T-GDi petrol engine with 7DCT now gets an additional set of features, such as –
– Smart panoramic sunroof
– 16-inch black alloy wheels
– Smartphone wireless charger
– Rear Disc Brakes
– Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
– Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
– Hill start assist control (HAC)
– Paddle shifters
– Metal pedals
– Electric and auto-folding ORVMs
– Power window auto up/down
Mechanically, the SUV continues to be powered by the existing petrol and diesel engine options.