Requests for mini buses on congested or narrow roads, suggestions for how the bus windows should be and the need for metro feeder services, the Janaspandana programme in Banashankari on Tuesday, the first on a ‘Bus Day,’ saw commuters interact directly with officials from the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC).
Parijatha.G.P, a regular commuter since 2008, said, “Buses should avoid putting up ads on the window glasses as we are unable to recognise bus stops when the buses are crowded.”
Another commuter said travel inside BMTC buses were difficult during rains as water leaks into the bus in many cases. Prabhudevan, a resident of JP Nagar, suggested that mini buses could be launched for routes where the roads are narrow to avoid traffic congestion.
Sudhamani, a frequent user of BMTC buses, said there are no Metro feeder services from Banashankari to Kengeri, due to which travel was difficult. To this, BMTC officials said there are 165 metro feeder services at present making more than 2,000 trips per days, which the transport corporation is planning to increase.
Though calling the interaction a “welcome move,” those from Bus Beku Bhagya questioned the timing of the event. “Keeping the meeting at 3 p.m. on a Tuesday is not going to work. It is a public company that has to go to the people,” said Srinivas Alavilli from the campaign.