BENGALURU: BMTC buses are not always the most affordable option to commute. On certain routes, travelling on BMTC buses could cost you more compared to travelling in a Metro or riding a two-wheeler. A study conducted by NGO Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike (BBPV) has revealed how Bengaluru’s main mode of transport is not always the most inexpensive.
According to the study, a Smart Card Metro commuter between Vijayanagar and Cubbon Park has to pay only `18.7 compared to BMTC’s fare of `20 from Vijayanagar to Shivaji Nagar.
Similarly, a Metro commuter using Smart Card from Baiyappanahalli Metro station to Cubbon Park station has to pay only `16.1 compared to `17 in a BMTC bus from Baiyappanahalli bus depot to Shivaji Nagar.
Also, BMTC charges `17 from Indiranagar 6th Main to Koramangala BDA Complex.
A bike ride on the same distance will cost just `9.6. It will cost `10 to travel from Shivaji Nagar bus depot to UB City in a BMTC bus but it will cost only `4 in a two-wheeler to cover the same distance, the study said.
“The idea behind analysis is to show how #unaffordable #bangalore’s #publictransport is for the 5Mn daily users of #BMTC (sic)” tweeted BBPV on Sunday.
“We must remember #BMTC #bus is the main mode of transport for 5Mn commuters everyday, it should be accessible+ affordable+reliable for them! (sic)” read another tweet from BBPV.
Bengaluru has one of the highest bus fares in the country. This has prompted several NGOs to conduct the #BusBhagyaBeku — double the fleet,halve the fare — campaign in the city.
However, BMTC officials said comparison of BMTC buses with other modes of transport doesn’t give a correct picture as the cost of capital, maintenance, and risk also need to be accounted. “The cost of buying a bike, risk involved and impact on health should also be taken into account. Metro fares in most stretches are expensive than BMTC buses,” said a senior BMTC official.