OREANDA-NEWS. August 13, 2014. Ashok Leyland Ltd., flagship of the Hinduja Group, launched ‘JanBus’ - the world’s ‘first’, fully-flat floor, front-engine bus with single-step entry and air suspension in Kolkata today. Feature-rich and technologically advanced, this innovative transport solution addresses everyday needs of urban transport, and is ideal for easy, comfortable and affordable city travel.

“JanBus is an example of innovative Indian engineering and reflects our understanding of customer requirements and the unique operating conditions in the country,” said Mr. T. Venkataraman, Head- Global Bus, Ashok Leyland. “Ideal for faster, smarter and safer urban mobility, this low-floor bus with a single-step entry, helps saves time and is passenger, driver and operator-friendly. It is also very friendly for differently-abled passengers".

JanBus has a uniform floor height of 650 mm, from the driver’s work-station all the way to the rear, making boarding, alighting and movement within the bus easy and hassle-free. Wide doors and a single step entry reduce stoppage time at bus stops while the full-flat floor allows the bus to board more passengers without compromising on comfort. Powered by a 225 HP, BS4, CRS diesel engine, JanBus promises better pick-up and reduced journey time. ‘Leymatic’ - the Automated Manual Transmission, is another standout feature that ensures fatigue-free driving; helping drivers stay alert and making bus travel safer.

JanBus has many exciting, new-age features such as multiplexing, a passenger information system, a vehicle tracking and infotainment system, all meeting urban bus specifications and bus code. This is in line with the vision laid down by the Ministry of Urban development.

JanBus comes with a high degree of customizable options: multiple options for door placement and seating arrangements, it can be configured for various applications such as BRTS, airport tarmacs and of course normal city travel, in both A/C and non-A/C versions.

Mr. Vinod K Dasari, Managing Director - Ashok Leyland, said “Kolkata has been a pioneer in offering its residents best-in-class transport solutions. After the metro, JanBus will revolutionize urban transport and we are delighted to present a world-class bus, with 4 patents covering over 15 unique features, to the City of Joy. JanBus is testimony of our engineering excellence and I am confident the 449 buses ordered by the West Bengal government will delight one and all and will stand true to its name - JanBus (people’s bus)”