For a smooth change

Positive Measure

The decision to shift 127 bus shelters, which are located near traffic signals, may cause an immense amount of confusion and problems for hundreds of commuters who travel in buses everyday.

The Bangalore Traffic Police had earlier conducted a survey and consequently asked the BBMP to shift a number of bus stops to cut down on congestion.

Additional commissioner of police (traffic) B Dayanand explains that a list of such stops has been given to the BBMP as well as the BMTC.

 “Most of these bus stops will be shifted to a nearby location so that commuters are not inconvenienced. The traffic police will be involved in the process and will help the citizens so that they reach their destinations on time. Citizens can approach the nearest traffic constable if they cannot find a bus stop.

The BBMP has been asked to remove the shelters and place them around 30 or 40 metres away on the same stretch. Commuters who frequent these routes will be able to notice where the bus stops are to be shifted once the work starts,” he informs.

Some of the main bus stops that are soon going to be shifted include the bus stop opposite Chinnaswamy Stadium, one on either side of the road near the Sadashivanagar police station, one near the NIMHANS junction, two bus stops on Dr MH Marigowda Road and another near the main entrance of Lalbagh.

Many others — like the bus stops located at Coles Park junction, near Prasanna Theatre on Magadi Road, near Thimmaiah Road and Queen’s Road junction, BEML in Indiranagar, the Outer Ring Road junction at Ramamurthynagar, Minerva Circle, near 5th Main Road in Vijayanagar and Peenya 2nd Stage – will also be shifted.

Bangaloreans say that the authorities should make sure that people who travel on these routes don’t face problems locating these bus stops. Bharagava, a student who often takes a bus from the stop opposite Chinnaswamy Stadium, says that first and foremost, the authorities should put up a notice board informing commuters of where the bus stop will be moved.

“If that bus stop is moved to the other side of the road, we will have to cross Anil Kumble Circle and go to the bus stand. Which means that we will have to wait at the signal for at least three to four minutes. It is important that they take care of all these things while moving these bus stops,” he notes.

Anjum Parvez, the managing director of the BMTC, explains that he has requested the BBMP to shift these bus stops to a place within 100 metres of the original bus stop, so that there is no confusion.

“We will be coordinating with the BBMP and will give them our inputs so that the commuters don’t suffer,” he notes.

Magesh, a professional, says that in areas where two bus stops will be removed, there could be huge confusion. Hence, the authorities need to have a good plan.

“Taking suggestions from commuters in areas like Ramamurthynagar, where two bus stops will be shifted, is a good option. After shifting these bus stops, the authorities need to clearly specify which buses are going to stop at which shelters.

Putting up signs with this information at the bus stops will help the commuters,” he suggests.