‘BMTC has to improve its services’

‘BMTC has to improve its services’
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Residents of Malleshwaram, Rajajinagar, Basaveshwarangara and several other areas of the West Zone on Sunday suggested that the services of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) be improved.

They were participating in the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) citizen consultation programme on urban transport.

Adithya, a resident, suggested that the BMTC set up information centres at all major bus stations while drivers and conductors be given training in first aid.

Lt Col (Rtd) Palani Raj said there was a need to operate buses according to the commuter population. According to him the city will see a 20 percent population growth by 2011.

The BMTC may have to operate over 8000 buses to provide better services to commuters. He said there was a need to identify and construct bus depots and bus bays in the city. He also suggested that guides be deputed, preferably disabled persons, at bus stands.

Another resident Srinivas said that there was a need for better co-ordination between all civic agencies.

BMTC Chief Manager (MIS and System) D C Prakash said JNNURM has focussed on urban infrastructure development. Speaking on the occasion, MLA N L Narendra Babu said in the next 20 years, 50 percent of the total population will live in urban areas. There was thus a need to frame a comprehensive plan for city development.

Commuter Advisory and Facilitation Committee Chairman V K Somshekar, BMTC Controller (Stores and purchase) Chennabasappa, Co ordinator Jayashri Ravindra were present.