Malappuram: In a pathbreaking move, a private bus operator in Malappuram has launched a service, which will offer AC comfort to passengers at ordinary ticket rates. Laverna, conducting service on the Tirur - Manjeri route, already offers several high-tech and comfort-oriented facilities.

The AC will be powered by the solar panels on the roof of the bus, which had the late film director Siddique as its brand ambassador. Laverna bus service is owned by Muhammed Shafi, a resident of Kozhichena in Kottakkal and a friend of Siddique. Solar panels with 3 kW capacity are installed over the roof to supply power to two one-tonne ACs in the bus.

“In addition to making the journey comfortable, our aim in installing AC in the bus is to utilise green energy,” said the owner Shafi.

Currently, all ordinary private buses operated by Laverna have fans over every seat, free WiFi, drinking water, digital payment facility, traffic awareness videos on its TV, announcement system, a 360-degree CCTV security camera and a screen for the driver to observe the surroundings of the bus. “All these unique facilities will be available on the AC bus. Our bus will also be student-friendly,” said Shafi.

The solar-AC private ordinary bus was flagged off at Tirur bus stand on Monday by M P James, Deputy Transport Commissioner (Central Zone).

“We will introduce two more AC private buses if the new service is successful,” said Shafi. Laverna also provides caravans for movie shoots and other purposes.