Volvo buses see 10% rise in commuters

Volvo buses see 10% rise in commuters
BY AKANKSHA MEHROTRA
BENGALURU








Article Rank










[Click To Enlarge]
After the end of Re. 1 Volvo scheme, Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) expects more people to use the public transport service.

The BMTC officials claim that they have seen a 10 per cent increase in the number of commuters using the service since Monday.

“The buses plying from Marathalli to Majestic area have seen a good inflow of people even after the end of promotion scheme. The recent introduction of 50 new buses plying at new routes is also seeing a good response. We cannot judge the impact of our promotional scheme and whether it is up to the mark but we are expecting good results in the coming weeks,” said the BMTC senior officials.

However, when Deccan Chronicle did a reality check, it was found that there was not much of rush in BMTC Volvo buses. Though people said they had enjoyed travelling in the Volvo bus, many felt the prices of the buses were exorbitant and that the department had to reduce them if they want it to be passenger-friendly.

“Public transport should be availed in such a way that all the public can use it. A common man cannot afford to commute in Volvos daily. It’s not affordable, BMTC should cut down on Vajra fares if they want it to remain popular,” said a commuter, Jagmohan Pai.

BMTC has plans to introduce 1,000 buses in the city in the next 5 year span. “When the present fleet of 100 Vajra buses is unable to catch up with commuters, what will the scenario be when all the 1,000 buses ply in the city? It’s a sheer waste of money and this will definitely lead to more congestion if the infrastructure is not improved by then,” said another commuter.

As declared by sources close to the Transport minister, the present fleet of Vajra buses is a non- profitable venture. In an attempt to popularise the scheme, the initiatives are being taken by the transport department.