Ahmedabad: In the final run for winning the contract for the operations and maintenance of Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) services, EURO-3 diesel run buses have taken the lead. The bids quoted by the five main operators are in range of Rs 34-Rs 36 per kilometre for EURO-3 diesel bu s e s which is the most economical option available to the Ahmedabad Janmarg Limited(AJL). However, the final bids quoted for EURO-3 diesel run AC buses for the BRTS are in range of Rs 38 to Rs 40 per km. But, environment-friendly BRTS buses run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) has been quoted the highest by the bidders at Rs 50 per km as operation cost for AC buses. Standing Committee Chairperson, AMC, Asit Vora, said, "AMC is at present looking at the technical specification of the quoted bids. On the operation costs front, we are having a competitive bid this time. Discussions are on and we will soon be finalising on the operators to run the BRTS buses.' Within a few days from now, the board of (AJL) would finally choose one operator from the five bids that were received for operation and maintenance of BRTS buses. Interested operators who had bid for the contracts have been raising issues as to whether the flexibility shown by AJL in floor heights of the buses, was feasible. Vora said," BRTS bus stops will have raised platforms so there is not much need for ultra low floor buses.' The Standing Committee also extended the date for the final decision on fabrication and construction of BRTS bus stands. The total project cost for the construction of 28 BRTS bus stands is Rs 11.90 crore. Vora said, "The discussion for the BRTS bus stands has been extended keeping in view other options. We are also looking for Build -Operation -Transfer basis for construction of BRTS bus stands as it can help AMC in saving the construction expenditure.'