Fewer Non-AC Buses Irk Commuters in IT Zone

Indian Express: Bengaluru: Monday, 22 December 2014.

It isn’t a surprise that the number of AC buses in IT corridors in the city outnumber the non-AC ones. But when ITPL resident Naveen filed an RTI application to know the exact number, he wasshocked. The RTI revealed, “Forty-seven AC buses ply on the ITPL route. And 12 ordinary buses.”

At an event held by the Bangalore Bus Prayanikare Vedike, commuters raised the issue of disparity in the types of buses running on various routes. Information obtained by the Vedike revealed that BMTC operates 95 AC routes in the IT corridors and only 19 routes in low-income neighbourhoods of the same areas.

“While fares of the general services range from `6 to `44 and the fares of Atal Sarige (Non-AC) are 50 per cent of the general fares, the fares of the AC services range from `15 up to `130,” said a commuter.

Commuters complained that these measures caused them to spend beyond their means. “We have no option but to board an AC bus. Either the route doesn’t have any non-AC buses or has very few ones so we have to wait for hours together,” said another commuter.

Naveen also questioned BMTC officials on how they decided what buses to ply in various areas. “The reply was that it was based on public pressure. We want to know that measures can be taken to indicate the public demand for more ordinary buses for regular commuters on the ITPL route,” he said.

Commuters also spoke about how fares in buses were becoming increasingly unaffordable. “In addition to AC buses, the general ones and the airport ones are also seeing a regular increase in fares,” said Vinay, a commuter.

Nagraj, from the KSRTC and BMTC Staff and Workers Federation, said, “The need of the hour is a single grade service that’s affordable for all sections of society with a reasonable guarantee of seats.”

He added that BMTC needs to relook the idea of being a profit-making venture. “It is causing a great deal of trouble for commuters and the general public.”

Shyamala, assistant manager (complaints), BMTC said efforts are on to increase the frequency of ordinary services on the ITPL route.