With 2,000 BMTC buses on poll duty, services disrupted

Commuters dependent on BMTC buses had to struggle to travel within the city as disruptions in services forced them to look for last-minute alternatives.

Of the 6,000 buses it operates, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) released 1,700 buses for election duty. Adding to this, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation borrowed another 200 buses on Tuesday.

Though the number of people travelling during the three days is said to be less, those waiting on the platforms at the Kempegowda Metro Station, not to mention the crowds at bus stops, made it clear that the disruption has affected thousands.

About 50 buses have been taken from each of the major depots like Yeshwantpur, Shanthinagar, Kengeri, Mysore Road and others. This has forced the depot managers to run services utilising available buses.

“Of the 160 buses in the depot, 50 are on election duty. We have assessed routes with high demand during weekdays and weekends. We are distributing the existing resources. Trip plans have been drawn to ensure passengers are not inconvenienced,” a depot manager said.

However, passengers spoke about the reduced number of trips. Devarajamma Nagappa, a flower vendor, said she waited at the Shankar Mutt for nearly two hours to catch a bus to Shivajinagar. “Buses usually come within half an hour. There is no bus even after one and half hours today and now I can’t board this,” she said, pointing at a crowded bus.

Several persons aired their grievances on social media, including Twitter and Facebook. “@BMTC_BENGALURU what is the frequency of Volvo bus from manyata to silk board. From last few days people are waiting more than 30 min to get a bus specially from 5 pm to 7 pm,” Chinmaya Samal tweeted.

The BMTC’s public relations staff did not respond to calls. However, an official said some disruption in service was unavoidable considering the number of buses on election duty. “We serve 38 lakh passengers. Minor disruptions will happen. Besides, many people have left the city for hometowns to vote,” he added.