BENGALURU: In a bid to increase patronage of Metro feeder buses, BMTC has asked Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd to install LED display boards in Metro stations with arrival and departure time of feeder services.
BMTC officials said they now run 63 Metro feeder buses, but average revenue from the service is only `30 per km against the operational cost of `43 per km.
“We expect more Metro commuters to use feeder buses once these display boards are installed at Metro stations. This will ensure last-mile connectivity for commuters using public transport” said a BMTC official.
The LED signs will be installed at metro stations including S V Road, Nayandahalli, Vijayanagar, Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, Majestic and Mantri Square.
“Feeder buses ply between Metro stations with a frequency of 10 to 20 minutes. We will increase number of buses and frequency based on response from commuters,” the official said.
The BMTC is also planning to run all feeder services with mini buses to reduce operational cost. “At present, mini buses ply only from a few stations, including Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha and Vasanth Nagar. Mini buses will require less parking space and have less operational cost. Mini buses are suitable for narrow roads, so we will soon replace all regular feeder buses with mini buses” said a BMTC official.
Commuters can now suggest new Metro feeder buses on ‘Need More Buses’ option on BMTC ‘swebsite (www.mybmtc.com).
Several commuters welcomed the proposal to install LED display boards in Metro stations.
“I normally book a cab or auto from the Metro station because I’m unaware of timing of feeder buses. The proposed LED display signs with bus timings will save time and ensure a cheap and safe journey,” said Srinivasa B, a regular commuter at Cubbon Park Metro station.
He said last-mile connectivity is vital. “This will reduce congestion and pollution.”