Bus! we've had enough

Having only Kannada numerals for BMTC buses is a problem
The Hindu

PUBLIC TRANSPORT is one thing that has been long ignored in this city. The service provided by BMTC really needs to be improved. And it doesn't require any drastic changes to achieve some betterment. I have some suggestions that would make the movement in the public transport system enjoyable not only for the locals but also to the visitors from other cities.

Nameplates

The monolingual nameplate is one of the biggest woes of the people. Bangalore is a growing cosmopolitan city, attracting people from every nook and corner of the country. How can BMTC neglect this diversity and print Kannada numbers on buses? It makes identification of the right bus quite a tough task.

Presently, with respect to intra city routes, random numbering system is followed. The same can be simplified and rationalised by linking the route number to the Postal Index Number (PIN).

That is to say that buses with the destination of say, Jayanagar 4th Block, R.T. Nagar, J.P. Nagar 3rd Phase, etc. may be allotted Route Numbers 11, 32, 76, etc., respectively.

Similarly, on its return route, the bus should bear the related PIN pertaining to its destination. In order to demarcate buses taking different routes but converging to the same place, a suitable alphabetical suffix may be used.

Such alphanumeric denominations would be helpful because the public is already aware of and familiar with the PIN codes of different areas in the city.

Another benefit is that the PIN is a permanent reference point; that'll immediately rule out confusing updates of already designated bus numbers.

All languages

The route nameplate displayed on the front of the bus should bear English, Hindi and Kannada scripts with the popular numbering pattern, instead of the monolingual pattern followed at present. The route number and nameplate should be displayed in three places — at the front, back and entry door of the bus to ensure easy identification by the public when they wait at the bus stop and also from a distance.

Many of us prefer to use two-wheelers instead of taking the bus, knowing very well what an ordeal it would be to do so. If these suggestions are implemented, even in phases, as financial allotments would allow, taking a bus will no longer be a dismissible option.