BIGGER CITY, better bus services

BIGGER CITY, better bus services
For the 30 lakh Bangaloreans who travel by bus every day, commuting could get easier. The BMTC is looking to ensure a stop every 500 metres and a maximum of 15 minutes’ wait for buses
R Krishnakumar | TNN

Bangalore: Complementing the expansion of its bus fleet, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will now take expert counsel to tackle a growing concern: non-accessibility to its services. A recent report on performance of BMTC buses and measures to improve ridership has stressed on the need for the corporation to buck up in the backdrop of increased area of operation. It highlights that improved accessibility, along with stricter adherence to locations by drivers, is the way forward.
According to a BMTC-commissioned study by M N Sreehari,
expert and adviser to the government on traffic and transportation, accessibility to services is one aspect that needs immediate attention as the BMTC caters to the increased needs of an expanded Bangalore. The report says existing accessibility (measured by walking distance/walking time from origin to bus stop) is “relatively good’’. But with over 1,300 sqkm to deal with, it calls for a major improvement.
The BMTC operates nearly 4,000 schedules, covering a 25-km radius from the city centre. It’s estimated that more than 30 lakh commuters avail its services every day. The city has just over 2,500 functional bus stops. “Bus stops have to be spaced in such a way that the walking distance for the commuter is not more than 500 metres and the waiting time (for buses) not more than 15 minutes,’’ says Sreehari.
About 28% of the respondents (a sample of 6,000 passengers) listed accessibility as their second-biggest concern, after punctuality/reliability with 42%. Travel cost (14%), safety (4%) and comfort (8%) were the other listed parameters.
The corporation is tipped to take the study findings forward as it lines up services for new areas. It is also learnt that a plan is on to create about 600 new bus bays across the city.
The report underlines the need to instruct drivers to stop buses at dedicated bays. With drivers stopping the vehicles after or before the stops, passengers also change positions in anticipation, leading to chaos near the bays.
DEDICATED CORRIDORS
The report reaffirms the importance of dedicated bus lanes to improve accessibility to the BMTC services. Nrupatunga road, KG Road and Kasturba Road are among stretches recommended for a pilot project on bus lanes. This apart, the report recommends creation of an elevated road just for BMTC and KSRTC buses. The road could start either near St Martha’s hospital or Cauvery Bhavan, running directly to the Kempe Gowda bus stand.
“This, in effect, means the speed is improved from the present 17-18 kmph to about 30 kmph,’’ says Sreehari. It’s estimated that a BMTC bus enters or exits KG Road and Sheshadri Road every eight minutes.
SUGGESTED MEASURES
28% of commuters concerned about accessibility
Ideal distance to bus stop not more than 500 metres Report recommends dedicated lanes, elevated corridor Shift bus stops near junctions to 75 metres ahead of junctions Stagger bus stops located opposite each other CITIZENSPEAK “There are services even on roads that have just enough space for a bus to pass. That’s a good thing in terms of reach but if it’s not matched with infrastructure like bus stops, the impact of the reach is minimized.’’
| Ravikumar,
resident, Chamarajpet “The drivers stop the buses to suit themselves. In anticipation, the passengers also wait ahead of the bus stop. This is a sheer waste of resources and infrastructure. While expansion of the fleet is important, these basic issues need to be addressed too.’’
| Manohar,
salesman, Residency Road “Extension of services to interior roads has been a long-pending demand in many areas. Considering the condition of roads in many areas, it may not be a feasible idea always but there’s a need to make amends by extending mini-bus services.’’
| Shafiq, businessman, Bannerghatta Road