BMTC to introduce electric buses to KIA from June

BENGALURU: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) introduced Volvo buses to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) as an alternative to taxis with high fares. However, the Vayu Vajra service was running at a loss and to address this, the BMTC is now introducing electric AC buses to the airport for the first time.

Currently, 150 Volvo buses operate to the airport daily. From next month, BMTC plans to replace 83 Volvo buses with 83 electric AC buses. Within the next 15 days, these AC electric buses will start operating to the airport for the first time in Bengaluru.

The plan comes as most of the Volvo buses have completed their kilometre lifespan. The BMTC is now introducing electric AC buses to replace them, marking a new initiative in the city’s public transportation system.

The AC Volvo buses were resulting in losses of crores of rupees every month. To make this route profitable, the BMTC is opting for electric buses.

BMTC Chief Traffic Manager Prabhakar Reddy said, “The lifespan of the Volvo buses is coming to an end this month. Only 83 AC buses will be replaced and it will be done phased manner. The operations will be started in 15 days”.

He further said, “Under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, the company providing the electric AC buses will be paid Rs 65.80 per kilometre. The drivers for these buses will be from a private company, while the conductors will be BMTC employees. The estimated cost per kilometre is around Rs 85, including all expenses”.

Compared to the Volvo buses, the electric AC buses are expected to save Rs 5 per kilometer. This is expected to result in a monthly saving of Rs 1.8 crore for the BMTC. Previously, the cost per kilometre for Volvo buses was Rs 90.70, and the monthly collection was only Rs 40 lakh, making it difficult for the BMTC to operate the buses.

Some BMTC staff members have raised concerns, stating that only the conductors will be BMTC employees, while the rest will be from private companies.

BMTC staffer Anand claimed that it is a conspiracy of the government to privatise the transport utility. “The BMTC did not use Volvo buses during the pandemic period. They are supposed to think about it before its purchase. A similar situation happened with Marcopolo buses. If the same situation continues, there is fear of appointing private conductors in government buses. We are demanding the transport department stop privatisation”.