Cool shelter ignored

Cool shelter ignored

Commuters are forced to stay outside as buses stop haphazardly

Senthalir S. Bangalore
Bangalore may be proud of having what it claims to be India's first-ever air-conditioned bus shelter, but few commuters are using it.
Days after the launch of this facility, they are still waiting on the pavement near Cubbon Park's entrance for the bus. And, they have their reasons. Aarthi Reddy, who boards the bus to Hoskote from there, says the bus shelter does not serve any purpose.
Why? Buses stop near the Cubbon Park and not in front of the shelter.
"Even if people wait inside the shelter, they have to open the door and run a bit to catch the bus. Commuters do not want to miss it and, hence, prefer to stand on the spot where the bus usually stops," she said. The Airtel's air-conditioned shelter is located near the pavement diagonally opposite to Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium and adjacent to the pavement near the Cubbon Park entrance (Kasturba road).
The 25x8 ft shelter can accommodate 20 people at a time and is manned by a uniformed guard.
While many commuters are not even aware of this facility, others are under the impression that it has not been opened to public yet.
"I think the bus shelter has not yet been opened to public," said Harsha Kugwe, a school teacher.
"BMTC buses never stop in front of the bus shelter. That is why people don't use it. But during off-peak hours, they do use it," said an Airtel official who did not want to be identified.