The one-way route to commuter confusion

The one-way route to commuter confusion
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Frequent changes in the one-ways have proved to be a dampener for Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) commuters as the bus routes are being changed each passing day.

These changes are forcing BMTC to rethink routes even as they face angry passengers.

From May 26, there has been a change in bus routes 141, 144 and 144E, which start from Shivajinagar terminus, due to the new one-ways that have been implemented on roads around the terminus.

The earlier route began from Shivaji Nagar and passed through Bangalore Central. The new route now passes through the Indian Express bus stop, State Bank of India (SBI) on St.Marks Road and Ashirvadam Circle.

The return routes of these buses back to Shivaji Nagar, however, have not been affected.

Bus number 144 goes till Neelasandra, 144 E till Rose Garden and 141 till Viveknagar. All three originate from Shivajinagar terminus.

Many passengers are still unaware of the changes and are surprised when these buses divert from their old routes.

Rajkumar, a passenger on 144E, said: ‘‘The new bus stops are not conveniently located and it was a surprise to us that the routes were changed. The bus does not go upto Mayo Hall anymore. When the schools reopen, students will face a lot of difficulties. Senior citizens also have problems, as they have to walk a long distance to board another bus.’’

‘‘There is heavy traffic on the new routes that we have to follow. The weekends, especially, are bad,’’ says Sundermoorty, a BMTC driver. Sriramesh, a conductor feels that passengers on the route from MG Road to Mayo Hall will be affected.

BMTC Assistant Traffic Manager Aftab Pasha, whose office is stationed at Shivajinagar, says: ‘‘Due to the limited number of stops on the new route, it is difficult for the passengers who travel long-distance.’’