BMTC to revive 'Hop On Hop Off' bus service

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is all set to revive operation of its “Bangalore Rounds- Hop On Hop Off” bus services for tourists visiting Namma Bengaluru.Instead of the present single bus, BMTC will soon add another four buses.

BMTC officials said the service was doing fairly well but with only one bus plying it was attracting lesser people. Adding more buses will provide tourists the convenience to choose to travel in different timings.

On an average day, around 60-70 per cent of the bus is occupied, while on the weekends its usually full, a BMTC official said. The present ‘Hop On Hop Off’ bus which starts at Kempegowda Bus Station covers the Vidhana Soudha, Lalbagh, Bull Temple, Gavi Gangadeshwara Temple, Ulsoor Lake, ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple, Visvesvaraya Museum, Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Karnataka Silk Emporium.

Once the additional buses start running, based on the response, the BMTC will consider adding a dozen places including shopping malls, heritage sites, historical temples in the itinerary, after taking approval from the competent authorities, said officials. This move is sought to allow tourists to spend more time at the designated places, as with only one bus plying tourists have to finish visiting places within a time constraint.Once more buses are added, tourists will be at liberty to sightsee, the official further said. 

With more buses and additions to tourist itinerary ticket prices are expected to go up. Authorities are also mulling to provide adequate training to bus conductors so that they can double up as tour guides to passengers on board.