The introduction of Hongqiao buses to the public travel fleet would open a new chapter in road travel, said Managing Director, Chandra Senanayake Holdings Dushmantha Senanayake at the entry of Hongqiao busses and coaches to the travel inventory. Notwithstanding the glut of traffic on the roads the outstanding features of Hongqiao are its manoeuvrability and torque which ideally match local road surfaces. Although outward appearances would match the best Japanese or European originals the outstanding feature of Hongqiao is its extremely competitive price structure.

The launch of this new concept in the transport sector underscored its future importance within the pithy genre of ‘The new kid on the block’ concept. The launch of this new travel line was an educational experience on the exactitude of Chinese technology. Basic extras were standard fittings in the Hongqiao which competitors had but at double the cost.

Director Technical, Everard M. Weerakoon, said that initially the Hongqiao would be exposed to the tourist industry, and he was confident that the concept of Chinese technology would be sufficiently appealing that transporters in the public transport business too would soon realise advantages of owning and operating these busses.

It is expected that travel demands of the daily commuting public would progressively attain more sophisticated levels because of the glut of traffic on already chocked roads, which in time would push car owners to prefer public transport if comfort and stress free travel could be offered. The usual city traveller looks for a seat, and remaining fresh at the end of his journey so that his or her daily routine could be completed and at the end of the day get back home in reasonable comfort, he said. "When that time comes, hopefully within the generation, the Hongqiao would be plying the highways and also making a contribution to city travel" he said.

All indications are that the user base would expand because of owner preferences. Prospective transport entrepreneurs and sequential operators could look forward to a bus within the coach concept that spells business class travel at economy class prices.

What this means is that standard fittings include an effective air conditioning system, cushioned seats to absorb body stress, and other passenger peripherals which include a shock resistant suspension system which could be custom built as and when such specifications (specs) are demanded.

The concept was viewed this week, and observations were that the Hongqiao would suite local road conditions. Coupled with basic luxuries and passenger comfort the Hongqiao would be marketed at a attractive price, to woo investors who perhaps would be strapped for funds. The Hongqiao would be marketed at the all inclusive price of 6 million rupees Weerakoon said.

Two models would initially be introduced to the market. The 35 seater and the 29 seater. Both models although built with different specs, have the versatility to satisfy indigenous road conditions and the resilience to withstand long rough travel, and do so with trouble free service for many years.