JOIN USCommuters in the city heaved a big sigh of relief when the Metro Green Line stretch opened recently, connecting Mantri Square Sampige Road with Yelachenahalli. Are people satisfied or do they want improvements in service and other connectivity options?
Rachan Patil, a resident of Rajajinagar, gives a measured response: “Metro has given BMTC a run for its money as many feel the ticket price of Metro is less than BMTC Volvos. But Metro has also its disadvantages. Many still consider the bus to be a reliable source of transport as it reaches many places where Metro can’t.”
Since work locations are scattered, he says, people still give thumbs up to bus services. “BMRCL should complete other phases as early as possible to lessen the traffic congestion. Personally, I prefer Metro as it is eco-friendly, safer, can reach the destination in a short time and is less stressful compared to road transport,” says Patil.
On connectivity issues, he suggests bike rental services at every docking station. Instead of waiting for a cab or autorickshaw, people can easily opt for bike service to cover short distances from the stations. “And once they finish their work, they can come back and drop it at the designated stations and hop on to Metro again.”
Another option could be BMRCL itself introducing a transport system where people can opt for it after reaching any particular station. It can be BMRCL’s bicycle, bike service, bus or cab service.
Vinutha P S, a resident of Chamarajpet, is elated with the Metro service as she used to spend around one hour to reach her office on MG Road. She says, “We recently shifted our office from Shanthinagar to MG Road. Launching of Metro in South Bengaluru is very useful for me as it brings down the transit time greatly.”
She was used to seeing most BMTC buses overcrowded on these routes, especially during peak hours. “Due to this, many people were forced to travel by their own vehicles that resulted in traffic issues. Metro is one of the most efficacious ways to lessen the traffic problem in the city.”
Also, she says, it will be just cherry on the cake if passengers get an option to hire a bike from Metro stations. “I am aware that at present, only a few Metro stations are providing the bike services. But, if it reaches all stations, it makes things easier for commuters.”
Kiran B H, consultant, Direct, Indirect and Commercial Tax, Sharadha Accounts and Taxation, is now in a relaxed state. His traffic woes have ended, although he has his own suggestions on connectivity.
“Travelling by road to Indiranagar from Vijayanagar via Corporation Circle reminds me of hectic traffic. BMTC buses would consume a lot of time, nearly two hours. By Metro, I am able to reach my destination within 25 minutes,” he says.
Last-mile connectivity is an issue, admits Kiran. “This is where BMTC should make an effort to provide feeder services to reach all those places where Metro can’t. This way, both BMRCL and BMTC can become profitable. Buses of smaller size would help reach remote places,” he points out.
Puttamalleshaiah K M, a senior citizen residing in Vijayanagar, notes that although the Metro coaches are world class, the stations are not. “As an elderly person, I feel interchanging is a mess at Majestic station. Reaching your destination once you get off the station is an issue. Bicycles could be an alternative that is noiseless and pollution-free.”
On BMTC, his suggestion is this: “Traffic being a haunting issue, now, BMTC has to reduce its fleet along Metro routes and divert those buses to provide cheaper last-mile connectivity at stations.”