BMTC to soon run 100 mini buses from home to Metro stations

BENGALURU: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is coming up with a new initiative for the benefit of Metro commuters by introducing mini buses which will pick passengers from their doorsteps and drop them off to the nearest Metro station.

The BMTC plans to enter into an agreement with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) ans is planning to kick off the mini bus services within two weeks, for which tenders will be called soon. The mini bus service will be available where the density of apartments is high and will operate just like the Metro feeder service.

Surya Sen, Director for Information Technology of BMTC said tenders will be called soon.

At present, BMTC feeder buses are operating from main roads to Metro stations, but there is no bus facility that picks up passengers directly from any apartment. The new mini bus service is expected to further ease travel within the city for Metro passengers.

Surya Sen, Director for Information Technology of BMTC, said, “The Metro feeders are already been operating in the city. They are 9 metres in length and getting good response. After studying the feasibility and requirement, we will launch mini buses within two weeks for the benefit of Metro commuters. The length of the bus will be 6-7 metres, but such vehicles are not available with BMTC. An Expression of Interest (EOI) tender has been called. It will cover all the residential and industrial areas. The bus can accommodate up to 25 passengers. We are planning to get 100 buses on contract basis. There will be have a fixed charge on specific routes. Due to the scarcity of BMTC conductors, there will be no other staff except the driver. But we will find alternative solution to it”, he said.