Think BMTC, think overcrowded buses filled with sweaty, tired, angry people either on their way to work or way back home?

Think BMTC, think overcrowded buses filled with sweaty, tired, angry people either on their way to work or way back home?
Deccan Herald

Think BMTC, think overcrowded buses filled with sweaty, tired, angry people either on their way to work or way back home? Do you always try and compare public transport in Bangalore with that of Mumbai, Chennai or Hyderabad? Do you wish you could travel by BMTC bus and in style?

All these questions may get their answers soon, if the BMTC continues with its drive to provide the best to commuters. Things will definitely change - for the better. Ever since the BMTC’s fleet was upgraded with Volvos, its image has taken on a more futuristic look.

Experimenting and introducing new concepts for the convenience of commuters seems been the main aim of the BMTC. In the past seven - eight years, the BMTC has added many a feather to its cap. After the success of hi-tech Volvo buses - the bright bridal red beauties you see on the road on certain routes - introduced few months ago, the BMTC is now introducing a glittering silver grey bus.

We are not talking of in-house competition here, but the objective, it seems, is to provide the best in public transport for commuters in IT City and to revolutionise urban transport in Bangalore, which has long expressed a need for good transport.

Scientific approach

The new bus will have a scientific approach for entry and exits. Hence it has introduced what is called ‘the three-door’ model. The main door in the centre of the bus will be used only for entry. The entry will be segregated - women get in from the left of the entrance and once inside, move to the front of the bus for their seats, reserved for women only. The men get in from the right side of the main entrance and move to the back of the bus for their seats. Again, the exits for women and men are separate - women alight from the front door, while men alight from the rear door.

All entrance and exit points are at a lower height than the regular BMTC bus. This is aimed at providing a less hassled journey for women, the handicapped, senior citizens and school children, who usually have to elbow their way into a bus. Ticketless travel too goes out the window as the conductor will issue tickets at the point of entry itself, thus saving time for all and reducing inconvenience to passengers of a conductor making his way through the crowded aisle.

Plus point

The other plus point here is that the bus is fitted with pneumatic doors. And the bus moves only when all the doors are closed! So footboard commuters running to catch a bus or trying to get off, beware. You could risk an injury if you try that. Also pickpockets have their task made difficult, since the doors close as soon as people alight or enter. But that doesn’t mean commuters can relax; you have to be vigilant about your belongings all the time, at all places.

Route No 2

The first triple-door silver beauty rolled out yesterday (Friday) on Route 2, surprising commuters between Kempe Gowda Bus Stand and JP Nagar 6th Phase.

Eager commuters on this route, who have already had a chance to travel in an AC Volvo coach, have expressed happiness at the introduction of one more hi-tech option to travel in style and comfort on the City’s clogged roads.

Mr Anand, the chief design engineer of this BMTC bus, told Metrolife, “If this new concept with a scientific approach works in convincing the public to take to such facilities, then the BMTC will introduce nine more similar buses for other routes as well.”