Some BMTC depots to be converted in parking lots

Some BMTC depots to be converted in parking lots
Deccan Herald

For those disturbed by Bangalore’s parking blues, here is a helping hand — the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is offering to lend its depots as parking lots.

Parking will be allowed in certain depots during office hours between 9 am and 6 pm.

The BMTC is taking mileage out of its depot space, which is clear after 75 per cent of the buses leave for its day service.

Ten depots have been identified in prime localities for parking of two and four-wheelers, which includes the high density areas like Indiranagar, Koramangala and Electronic City.

The depots will be converted within one-two months, BMTC Managing Director Upendra Tripathi revealed.

The depots are situated in proximity to bus stands, a move which BMTC believes will put private vehicles users off the road and opt for public transport.

“People can park their vehicles in the depot and take a bus to their destination from the bus stop,” BMTC Chief Traffic Manager Dastagir Sharief said.

Here is another attraction to those who want to switch from their bikes and cars and take a bus - The BMTC monthly bus holders pass will get a concession in the parking fee. Though the parking fare has not been finalised, the concessional parking fee is expected to be in the range of Rs 200-Rs 300, while the BMP rates will be charged for others.

Fifteen security persons will be appointed for ensuring safety of the parked vehicles.

The administrative control of the parking lots will be in the hands of the depot manager or bus station in-charge, Dastagir said.