City Pulse

I have been using BMTC AC bus service on Outer Ring road near Banashankari to Silk Board and BTM layout. In the few times I have used the service back and forth, I have had no issues with frequency and quality of service. It is fully enclosed with AC and so you hear less outside noise and get no dirt. The only issue that I have is the slowness (10-15 kmph); but this has nothing to do with the BMTC and has everything to do with the number of vehicles on the road and the unregulated parking/stopping of vehicles, (esp cars and autos) even on major roads like Marenahalli Road. 

This unlimited BMTC bus service to anywhere in Bangalore is available for Rs 2250/month if you buy the BMTC pass. But in spite of good service, Volvo buses see few passengers, even when the traffic is unbearable. For example, on Republic day, there was huge traffic congestion with lot of big cars & SUV’s (many with only 1 person in it) on Marenahalli road, yet BMTC AC bus had only eight to 10 passengers (bus capacity is likely 100 or more, with a seating capacity of 40). What a shame! This kept me wondering, and I came up with the following three reasons:  

1 ) Car is a Status symbol and travelling in Bus is considered socially unbefitting!: The middle class has a mindless fascination of cars, thanks to the marketing strategies of the companies.  Owning and driving a car (despite the notorious traffic congestions and the “brake and go” driving) is still a status symbol ! Commuting in BMTC AC bus is considered somewhat socially unbefitting. I request people to get over this egoistic belief and do something that will help the city in the long run.

2 ) Last mile connectivity from the major road may not be there: There are some ways around this "problem"

• Commuters can come in their private vehicles and park closer to the major bus stops. But parking cars will be a challenge as there are hardly any parking structures. So this would not work. Auto fares are not cheap (Minimum 50 Rs-2 way) esp if you have to use them daily.


• People can use two-wheelers for their last mile (at least from home). Parking a two-wheeler is easier on the residential streets around the major roads.


• Youngsters can walk a kilometer. The quality of our footpaths has to improve. If footpath is improved and there is less dirt outside, people wouldn\'t mind walking 0.5km-1km.  


• Another idea BMTC should consider is introducing frequent minivans for last-mile connectivity 

3) People don’t like waiting: I believe waiting 10 mins in one’s busy schedule is a good thing. This gives a perfect opportunity to meditate or listen to music. 

4) For some people BMTC AC bus fares may be expensive: and hence, they continue to use two-wheelers. This is where BMTC should consider lowering the fares and improving occupancy. It is really a win-win situation. 

So here are nine reasons why commuting in BMTC volvo AC bus is better than taking out your private car:

1. You don’t have to drive and stress yourself in Bangalore’s notorious traffic.

2.  You don't have to worry about parking.You could even read, talk over

3. You could even read, talk over cell phone, email and thus use this time productively. It is

4. It is safer alternative to taking out your private two-wheeler. On this point, I have written two ways how citizens of Bengaluru     can give a fitting tribute to our hero Harish Nanjappa here

5. If you walk for the last-mile, your health improves. 

6. You are doing something good for the city by not contributing to the traffic congestion and the slow traffic movement. 

7. If more people abandon their cars and two-wheelers and join the BMTC AC bandwagon, you will reach your destination much earlier as traffic congestions will reduce and average speed will increase from the current 10kmph. 

8. You are doing something good for the environment by not taking out your car. 

9. You are doing something good for the country and rupee, by consuming less petrol that the country imports by paying in foreign currency.

Here is how you can help this cause 

1. Stop taking out your car and start using BMTC AC bus.


2. Share this article in social media (Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter) with your colleagues, friends and family and ask them in turn to share with their friends.


3. Write to Bangalore’s transportation minister and BMTC to improve last mile connectivity by providing frequent van service, reducing AC Bus fare and improving the quality of footpaths.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author who is an ICMyC user