Wish I could fly

Sharma Transports have introduced a new Mercedes Benz bus service between Mumbai and Bangalore. Saw it at Tumkur few days ago on way from Bangalore to Mumbai and decided to check it out on the way back. Called up redbus.in and specially booked this bus. But they dropped the bus, apparently bcoz if has some 'starting' problem. Instead they sent a Volvo bus. They explanation they gave is that the new bus is full of electronic circuits, which none of the ppl here understand ! Even during their Blore-Mumbai trip few days ago, the bus would not start mid-way. Avoid the new Merc bus - atleast for now, till they get the 'electronics' right.

KPN Travels used to be a good private bus service to travel between Bangalore and Kerala till sometime back. But a recent experience with them shattered all the good impression. Here's what happened: I was travelling from Bangalore to Kerala in Feb-08. I had booked KPN bcoz their buses used to be good and would leave and reach on time. But the bus started 45 minutes late. There was no video in the bus, which surprised me. I got the answer when we reached Salem at around 10:30 PM and we were asked to change to a different bus. No explanations given by KPN on why this change, even when some ppl asked. This new bus had video. After wasting another 45 minutes at Salem (stopping at some pickup points, where there were no pickups !), the bus started its onward journey. But at around 2 AM, the bus stopped in the middle of some jungle-like area - 80 kms before reaching Pallakad. The probem was that the inside of the bus had become very hot (in an AC Volvo bus !!!). When the drivers checked...