BMTC revenue take hit after KIA ops shifted to Terminal-2

BENGALURU: The revenues of the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) have taken a hit after the BMTC bus station shifted from KIA Terminal-1 to Terminal-2. There is no direct BMTC bus service to the city from the Terminal-2.

The Vayu Vajra buses have to first pick up passengers from Terminal-1 first and then go to Terminal-2 to pick up other passengers. This is causing a delay for passengers who board the bus at Terminal-1. Hence, air travellers prefer not to wait for the BMTC buses and instead opt for cabs.

Earlier, the BMTC had two pickup and drop points at Terminal 1. The decision of the Kempegowda International Airport authorities to shift operations has affected BMTC’s revenue. International passengers are no longer showing much interest in taking BMTC buses to reach different parts of the city.

Earlier, most passengers opted for BMTC Vayu Vajra buses as it is affordable to travel from the airport to the city, but the airport authorities’ decision has resulted in a loss of Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per month for BMTC.

Anil, an airport passenger, said, “Obviously, it is a problem for international passengers. They might have urgent work, some of them have to meet their destination on time to get their work done. If there is direct bus service to the city from Terminal-2, it would be convenient for us”.

Another woman passenger said, “It is now a very painful and delayed service. If there is a direct bus to the city from Terminal-2, it will save us time. But now it takes 15 minutes more to reach our destination amid traffic congestion”.