Bengaluru to deploy 200 mini AC buses for last-mile metro connectivity

Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh has directed that 200 mini air-conditioned buses be deployed to connect residential areas within a 5-km radius of all metro stations in Bengaluru.

The announcement came after Suresh held a meeting with senior officials of the Transport Department, KSRTC and BMTC at Vidhana Soudha. The mini AC buses will be drawn from the 4,500 electric buses being provided to BMTC under the Central government's PM E-DRIVE scheme.

Linking Far-Flung Areas to Metro Network

The buses will connect residential areas in the farthest parts of the city to metro stations, making travel more convenient for Bengaluru residents, according to an official release. The move is expected to strengthen last-mile connectivity to the metro network.

AC Buses for IT Sector Employees

Suresh also said BMTC will provide more air-conditioned buses to IT and BT companies in Bengaluru to reduce the use of private vehicles by their employees. Officials have been instructed to hold discussions with the companies in this regard.

Integration with Ride-Hailing Apps

The Minister announced that the 'Namma BMTC Mobile App 2.0' will be made available to commercial passenger vehicles operated through apps such as Ola and Uber. Through this integration, passengers travelling in Ola and Uber vehicles will be able to easily obtain information about BMTC buses that operate to the destinations where they get off.

Revenue Protection Measures

Suresh issued instructions to officials to take necessary measures to prevent revenue leakage in government-owned transport corporations, including BMTC, and gave clear directions to curb unnecessary expenditure.

Source: The Hindu