Citizen World Travels Launches Mumbai’s First Seat-In-Coach Service

Charmaine Fernz - Mumbai

In an effort to enhance the potential of Mumbai as a viable tourist destination, Citizen World Travels P Ltd, recently launched Mumbai's first Seat-in-Coach service from the four airport terminals to various parts of the city. Revealed Iqbal Mulla, chairman, Citizen World Travels P Ltd, "This service was a long needed necessity from the Airport Authority of India as passengers have been faced with some antisocial elements who lurk around the airport vicinity. It was also launched in an effort to promote Mumbai and its surrounding areas as a potential tourist destination. At present, there are eight coaches, wherein four coaches each would be positioned at the international and domestic airports respectively. Based on the response, two more coaches would be added in the coming year. All coaches are 35-seater Volvo buses, with state-of-the-art facilities and would leave the airports every hour and a half. "

So, what are the marketing efforts to promote such a facility? Explains Mulla, "At present, we have our counters which are located at Terminal II A and II C at the international airport, and Terminal I A and I B at the domestic airport. Apart from this, we are also looking at making relevant announcement at the airport for easier facilitation."

Elaborating further Mulla added, "These coaches would be made available only to tourists and passengers alike, the validity for which would be the confirmed tickets or hotel reservations. Even the cost has been nominally charged - the fare from the airport to Dadar is Rs 50 and to Nariman Point is Rs 100, which could also be paid in equivalent dollars. As of now, we only have a point-to-point permit, so, we can cater only to specific points as mentioned before. We are looking at permits for different points as well in future. Other plans include a city tour for which we are in talks with the authorities."