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Disregard for the stops

Last Updated 23 September 2012, 13:29 IST

No matter the tall claims made by the BMTC — when it comes to Bangalore’s bus service, it’s the drivers who call the shots. The BMTC may have demarcated routes, pre-fixed timings and identified specific bus stops, but frankly, bus drivers and conductors feel no particular qualms about waiving these stipulations every now and then.

The most cumbersome product of this attitude is their indifference to bus stops — depending on the flow of traffic and number of passengers, drivers often avoid regular bus stops and halt the bus in areas which are convenient to them. Predictably, these seemingly random locations soon turn into impromptu bus stops, with hoards of commuters — familiar with the route and the erratic whims of the driver — gathering there.

The problem here is that for first-timers or those who are travelling on an unfamiliar route, it can get very difficult to predict where a bus might stop. Manjula Kondoor, a HR professional, explains, “It’s really a huge hassle. At many places, there are two or three bus stops — so one doesn’t really know where to wait for the bus. Eventually, you end up running behind it and missing it altogether.”

The issue, she adds, is particularly bad for those who don’t often travel by bus. “In Vijaynagar, where I stay, the bus stop is incredibly long. People stand along an entire stretch of the road, so nobody’s certain about where the bus will come to a halt. This problem is common in Banashankari as well — if one doesn’t travel regularly by bus, has children or is holding luggage, it can be very difficult,” she points out.

From a different perspective, these makeshift stops pose a problem to other people on the road as well — especially when bus drivers select spots at the bases of flyovers or right before turnings to stop the vehicle. Himani, a student of Mount Carmel College, reasons, “I stay near the Majestic Bus Terminal, so there are several buses on the roads near my house. Frankly, most of the traffic is because of their poor navigation. Every time some sort of construction work comes up, they deviate from their route and add to the congestion on the roads.”

In other areas, she says that bus stops aren’t clearly demarcated, which gives bus drivers the freedom to stop wherever they like. “This is the case in Rajajinagar. And I think the situation is equally bad in some parts of Jayanagar and Basaveshnagar,” she explains.

Joshita Bannerjee, a entrepreneur and resident of RT Nagar, agrees with this view, saying, “It’s tough to predict where a particular driver is going to stop a bus. I use the service frequently, which is why I know exactly where to stand and wait — but often, I find other first-timers completely confused.”

However, K R Srinivasa, the managing director of the BMTC, states that this chaotic situation can’t be attributed only to the bus drivers — commuters are equally responsible. “People too are partly to blame. Instead of waiting at the bus stops, they wait near signals and other such places. They too should understand that this can’t be done, and the traffic police should guide them in this regard,” he says.

“It’s true that our drivers don’t always stop at the right bus stops — but I think we should all work together to do something about this situation,” he concludes.

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(Published 23 September 2012, 13:29 IST)

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