Has increase in fleet eased traffic?

The City planners and service providers have failed to provide quality bus service. While three major cities in India have adopted Bus Rapid Transit System with dedicated roads for movement of buses, in Bangalore it is private vehicles which monopolise public roads.

Traffic eased?

BMTC claims introduction of 1,000 more buses in its fleet has changed the face of Bangalore’s traffic.

The number of people depending on public transport has increased by 20 per cent, says BMTC Managing Director Syed Zameer Pasha.

However, the Corporation has not conducted a detailed study to show how introduction of more buses eased the traffic.

The Centre for Sustainable Development, an NGO, has taken up a study on the impact of introduction of Volvo (Vayu Vajra) buses to connect Bangalore and BIA. The centre has completed its survey based on interaction with passengers.

The project report is expected to be submitted in the next 10 days.

‘BMTC nets Rs 50 cr profit a year’

Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation is one of the few transport corporations in the country making profit. On an average, the corporation makes a profit of Rs 50 crore a year. Its accumulated profit is over Rs 650 crore.

In the last one decade, the corporation is growing gradually. Annually, it added 800-1000 buses to its fleet. It operates 5,843 schedules in a day with 6,122 buses. It covers nearly 12.50 lakh service kilometres a day and earns nearly Rs 23.78 a crore. On any given day, it carries 42 lakh passengers.

Funds flow for purchase of buses

Total project cost – Rs 303.07 cr

Govt of India – Rs 106.07 cr (released Rs 83.33 cr)

Govt of Karnataka – Rs 45.46 cr (released Rs 35.71)

Financial progress (As on Nov end) – Rs 319.83 cr (106 pc)