Tata Motors has bagged an order for 25 hybrid buses from MMRDA. It will be supplying the Tata Starbus based on ‘diesel-electric’ series hybrid technology in a full low floor configuration. Expected to ply in the business district of Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), the buses will connect BKC to railway stations like Sion, Bandra and Kurla, filling the void of feeder services. Claimed to be 25 to 30 per cent more fuel effecient over conventional diesel buses, the hybrid buses run on pure electric mode for 30 to 35 per cent of the total travel distance. Featuring on-board charging, CCTV cameras, a wide passenger-way, wider and lower entry and exit doors, bucket seats, softer suspension, lower Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels, the buses are powered by a BS IV engine and energy storage through an advanced Lithium-ion nano phosphate battery. They also incorporate Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) for public information, including GPS. Complying with Urban Bus Specifications (UBS-II), Automotive Industry Standard – AIS 052 and Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), the buses are financially supported by the Central and State Governments. The price of each bus is estimated to be Rs.2 crore each.