After facing criticism from commuters for not taking their inputs while deciding the routes of the feeder service for Namma Metro’s Purple Line, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is reaching out to the public ahead of the metro’s south line launch to get the feeder service right the first time around.
With metro’s underground reach between Sampige Road and National College, as well as reaches 4 and 4a connecting National College to Yelachenahalli set to become operational from Saturday, the BMTC is planning to operate around 100 buses as feeder service.
The bus routes are being finalised and the BMTC is asking for suggestions online and offline.
In a tweet on Monday, the BMTC asked people to send their requirements for feeder services. The tweet received several hundred replies, with people asking for specific routes to be introduced.
The tweet also caught the attention of several resident welfare associations who sent their inputs.
“Bangalore city needs a wholesome and inclusive city-level plan for public transport. If the BMTC introduces feeder services, there will be more people using public transport as it becomes more convenient for them. However, the BMRCL has to contribute financially towards running these feeder services. Introduction of feeder services must not affect regular bus services,” said Lekha Adavi of Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike.
Ground survey
Apart from seeking suggestions online, the BMTC is also conducting a survey on the ground to understand passenger requirements, says its managing director Ekroop Caur. Currently, feeder service is available for Purple Line stations and between Sampige Road and Kempegowda stations on the Green Line.
Purple Line feeder issues
While the BMTC’s tweet requesting inputs was for the new feeder service for the metro’s Green Line, several commuters using feeder services on the East–West corridor used the opportunity to ask for additional buses for the Purple Line feeder service. Complaints focused on the frequency of buses, and there were requests for services from areas such as Domlur and Koramangala.
