Relocation of three bus stops irks commuters

Relocation of three bus stops irks commuters

The Hindu

Three bus stops on Magadi Road have been shifted Many still wait at old stops on Magadi Road

# Boards have been put up informing commuters about the change
# The relocation is to ease traffic congestion at intersections, say traffic police

BANGALORE: For the last few days, commuters using the Magadi Main Road have been finding it difficult to reach their destinations.

This is because the Traffic Police have relocated three bus stops along this road between Toll Gate Junction and Magadi Road 1st Cross.

While the Toll Gate bus stop has been shifted near the Magadi Road Police Station, the Prasanna Talkies stop has been relocated a little distance away. Also, the Magadi Road 5th Cross bus stop has been relocated near the BMP High School on the road.

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) authorities said that the decision to shift the bus stops had been taken by the Traffic Police.

Their side

The Traffic Police said that this would help smooth flow of traffic at the busy Toll Gate Junction and help in early completion of the West of Chord Road — Magadi Road Junction flyover.

Although the bus shelters have been shifted and boards put up informing commuters that the stops have been relocated, there is a lot of confusion. Some of them continue to wait at the earlier stops and curse the drivers for not stopping the buses.

Frequent arguments

Those who are used to getting down at the original stops have frequent arguments with the drivers when they refuse to stop at the old stops.

"I have to reach my workplace in Vijaynagar and it was easy for me to get down at Toll Gate Junction and catch another bus from the stop which is just across the road. Now, I have to get down at Prasanna Junction and walk down till Toll Gate, which is quite a distance," Savitha, who commutes daily between Malathalli and Toll Gate, said.

Some drivers are kind enough to oblige the requests made by the regular commuters to halt at the old stops. But there are some who strictly follow the rule. "I will have to pay a fine of Rs. 150 if I stop at any place other than the designated bus stop. Why should I pay for the convenience of the commuters? If they want, let them complain to the authorities," said a bus driver.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M.N. Reddi told The Hindu on Monday that the relocation was part of the action plan for easing traffic congestion at intersections.

"We are shifting bus stops located close to traffic intersections not only on Magadi Road, but also on several other roads. This is to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and avoid accidents. The shifting will not involve additional costs because the original shelters are being removed and installed at the new points," Mr. Reddi added.