In order to help commuters avail information on bus routes and bus timings the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) on Saturday launched the passenger information kiosk at the Kempegowda Bus terminal.
District in-charge and Transport Minister R. Ramalinga Reddy, who launched the kiosks, said the BMTC aims to install the kiosks in all ten Traffic and Transit Management Centres (TTMCs) in the City.
The kiosk consists of a personal computer that has an interactive touch screen kiosk and will be set up so that commuters are able to access bus routes from the starting point to the destination. The computer will show the route in the form of maps besides displaying information about the route timings and bus stop. The kiosks will also have information on fares and passes as well as details for bus rentals. Passengers can also submit their feedback and file Right to Information (RTI) queries with BMTC. Passengers can also access information on career options and tender notifications pertaining to BMTC at the kiosk.
Speaking after the launch, Mr. Reddy said the kiosk could be operated 24/7 and has information in English and Kannada. He said each kiosk would cost Rs. 1.20 lakh. Twelve kiosks have already been set up and 40 more are expected to be set up shortly. A press released issued by the BMTC also states that internet kiosks would soon be installed.
Mr. Reddy also announced that a leave management kiosk would soon be set up for BMTC employees to facilitate transparency in leave management. He said if private bus owners did not install two emergency exit doors in all buses before the three-month deadline that was set in November, strict action would be taken against them.
On the finances of the BMTC for the current financial year, Mr. Reddy said the increase in diesel prices caused a burden of Rs. 3 crore per month for the corporation. However, he said finances were better compared to last year. To a question, Mr. Reddy said the recent hike of Re. 1 in fares for stage 2 was effected to tide over small change problems and added that the increase will result in nominal additional revenue to the corporation.
