Big Trunk service wins hearts, jams traffic

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Bengaluru: Although the BMTC officials are satisfied by the response to the newly introduced big trunk services, the commuters feel measures should be taken to reduce their travel timings.
The service was launched by the BMTC between Kempegowda Bus terminus (Majestic) and Electronic City, Chandapura and Attibele.
According to the BMTC officials at Majestic, right from the day 1 the three bus routes  were receiving good response.
“Fleets used for these new services are very good. They are fast and pro­v­iding good travel experience. As the frequency of these buses is high, the passengers are liking it,” said an officer. “The waiting time of these buses is less in any point. They are always on move,” he added.
But the new service has evoked mixed response from passengers. Their main grouse is over the travel timings. Speaking to this newspaper many passengers expressed their displeasure over not rationalizing the route of these services. Many feel that BMTC should have tried some parallel routes for these buses to ensure better timing.
Leela Bhat P, a daily commuter between Majestic and Chandapur told this newspaper,  that except increased frequency there is nothing much to speak about these buses.
“Between Majestic and Dairy Circle, buses had to halt for long time at all the signals. Same roads, same traffic signals, same time,” she said.
Better route management, awareness needed for success
Bengaluru: Many passengers observe that BMTC should look at running these services on parallel roads whereever possible.
“The best example is Lakkasandra traffic signal. Near Brand Factory all these buses get clogged in jam. But another road, which can be used as an alternative, is being misused for private vehicle parking. If these issues are addressed, the travel time can be brought down,” said Purandhara Rao, a regular commuter.
 
Many feel that BMTC should take up high voltage awareness campaign to ensure the success of this new service which is the first step towards rationalization of city bus routes.
According to another passenger, K series buses failed due to the poor level of awareness. “Buses on K series route always ply empty due to lack of awareness,” he said.