The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is planning to introduce “Bangalore Rounds” service to Art of Living Ashram, Roerich Estate and Bannerghatta Biological Park after the experiment with Hop-On-Hop-Off (HOHO) buses failed miserably.
According to BMTC officials, there is a huge demand for buses to the three locations during weekends and holidays, and hence they were looking at the possibility of introducing the dedicated service. The proposal is still in its initial stage.
The HOHO bus service had to be stopped as it failed to get a enthusiastic response from the public. Currently, two of the seven HOHO buses are being utilised under the earlier scheme of “Bangalore Rounds” buses.
The tickets for the HOHO buses were much cheaper at Rs 150 for adults and there were various pick-up points in the City along with the flexibility for the tourists to spend as much time at a particular spot. Still, the service was not popular among the tourists. As a result, BMTC was unable to earn adequate revenue and hence the service was stopped around three months ago.
At present, only two dedicated buses are running under the “Bangalore Rounds” service. The service starts and terminates at the Kempegowda Bus Station. The fare is Rs 400 for an adult and Rs 300 for a child.
Out of the seven HOHO buses, two are being run as part of this service while the two are dedicated for Wonderla Amusement Park and Innovative Film City on Mysuru Road. Another two buses do Kempegowda International Airport rounds.
The officials said that “Bangalore Rounds” bus scheme is a much older and popular service among the residents of the City and the service is getting a decent revenue.