<p>Bengaluru: Metro feeder buses were launched along the newly inaugurated Yellow Line on August 12. But the mode of transport is yet to pick up among the metro users.</p>.<p>When DH reporters visited the Yellow line, the services were yet to gain visibility, with many commuters unaware of their existence or unfamiliar with routes. </p>.<p>Currently, BMTC has deployed 12 buses on four routes and will operate 96 trips per day. </p>.<p>On average, each 12-metre feeder bus saw fewer than 10 passengers. Commuters mostly using the feeder buses included IT employees, students and regular commuters familiar with bus routes in the vicinity of the Yellow Line, which operates between RV Road and Bommasandra. </p>.<p>Ananya, an IT employee who used a feeder bus for the first time on Thursday, said: “I just happened to see the bus stop near my office, while I was booking an auto to the metro station and thought I’d give it a try. I’m unaware of the bus timings, but if I see it near my office again, I will opt for it.” </p>.<p>Another commuter, also an IT employee, ended up on the metro feeder as he had missed his regular bus.</p>.<p>“I usually take G3, which also goes to Electronics City metro station. Since fares for both buses are same, I will be getting on to whichever is available first,” he added. </p>.<p>While a few passengers hailed the buses as an economical transport option, many commuters either preferred autos over buses or were unaware of the metro feeder routes. </p>.<p>Heavy traffic on the route makes it difficult for buses to stop at the stations. </p>.<p>The buses cover six newly opened metro stations: Hosa Road, Beratena Agrahara, Electronics City, Konappana Agrahara, Hebbagodi and Bommasandra. Passengers can scan QR codes at metro bus stations and inside trains for bus schedules, live tracking and other related information. </p>.<p>However, residents of localities surrounding the Yellow Line believe the frequency and routes of the feeder buses aren’t up to the mark.</p>.<p>Residents demand more feeder buses from Bellandur, HSR Layout, BTM Layout, Begur and adjacent areas. </p>.<p>“In Bellandur, among sub-arterial roads, three areas that lack BMTC connectivity are Haralur, Kasavanahalli and Doddakannelli. Forget metro feeders, we don’t even have normal buses, which is why you see most people opting for four-wheelers.</p>.<p>Among the newly added metro feeders, one route covers Kasavanahalli and Doddakannelli, but leaves out Haralur. If more buses are added on this route, it will not only help metro connectivity, but also link Bellandur and Hosur Road,” said Vishnu Prasad, a Bellandur resident. </p>
<p>Bengaluru: Metro feeder buses were launched along the newly inaugurated Yellow Line on August 12. But the mode of transport is yet to pick up among the metro users.</p>.<p>When DH reporters visited the Yellow line, the services were yet to gain visibility, with many commuters unaware of their existence or unfamiliar with routes. </p>.<p>Currently, BMTC has deployed 12 buses on four routes and will operate 96 trips per day. </p>.<p>On average, each 12-metre feeder bus saw fewer than 10 passengers. Commuters mostly using the feeder buses included IT employees, students and regular commuters familiar with bus routes in the vicinity of the Yellow Line, which operates between RV Road and Bommasandra. </p>.<p>Ananya, an IT employee who used a feeder bus for the first time on Thursday, said: “I just happened to see the bus stop near my office, while I was booking an auto to the metro station and thought I’d give it a try. I’m unaware of the bus timings, but if I see it near my office again, I will opt for it.” </p>.<p>Another commuter, also an IT employee, ended up on the metro feeder as he had missed his regular bus.</p>.<p>“I usually take G3, which also goes to Electronics City metro station. Since fares for both buses are same, I will be getting on to whichever is available first,” he added. </p>.<p>While a few passengers hailed the buses as an economical transport option, many commuters either preferred autos over buses or were unaware of the metro feeder routes. </p>.<p>Heavy traffic on the route makes it difficult for buses to stop at the stations. </p>.<p>The buses cover six newly opened metro stations: Hosa Road, Beratena Agrahara, Electronics City, Konappana Agrahara, Hebbagodi and Bommasandra. Passengers can scan QR codes at metro bus stations and inside trains for bus schedules, live tracking and other related information. </p>.<p>However, residents of localities surrounding the Yellow Line believe the frequency and routes of the feeder buses aren’t up to the mark.</p>.<p>Residents demand more feeder buses from Bellandur, HSR Layout, BTM Layout, Begur and adjacent areas. </p>.<p>“In Bellandur, among sub-arterial roads, three areas that lack BMTC connectivity are Haralur, Kasavanahalli and Doddakannelli. Forget metro feeders, we don’t even have normal buses, which is why you see most people opting for four-wheelers.</p>.<p>Among the newly added metro feeders, one route covers Kasavanahalli and Doddakannelli, but leaves out Haralur. If more buses are added on this route, it will not only help metro connectivity, but also link Bellandur and Hosur Road,” said Vishnu Prasad, a Bellandur resident. </p>