This review is a comparision of BMTC service with city buses of Hyderabad and Chennai.The Bangaloreans may have dozens of complaints about their public transport service, known as BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) but living outside Bangalore and after experiencing other State RTCs.
I give better rating to BMTC, compared to the buses I see in Chennai or Hyderabad.Below are the reasons why I rate BMTC better than city buses of Hyderabad or Chennai.
BMTC is the only operator among Karnataka, AP and TN to run Volvo city buses
Both Chennai and Hyderabad have local train facility which takes substantial load off bus service. Also there is share auto concept in these cities; hence the burden on bus service is less.
But in Bengalooru, BMTC city buses have to serve people single handedly, as no other economic alternatives are available for passengers.
Most of the BMTC buses have pneumatic doors which provide additional safety. Though this concept was introduced in BMTC years ago other states yet to follow suite.
BMTC buses are relatively new and well maintained compared to most of the aged buses we find in AP and TN
BMTC has wide range of vehicle in its fleet. The Volvo city buses.The PASS BUS (for only those who have passed), Women only buses, Pushpak and PE (Pro Environment) coaches, Vestibules, sightseeing Curitiba buses, Swaraj Mazda rural service buses, Swaraj Mazda AC buses, among other types.
(Hyderabad comes very close to B’lore in this aspect with Metro, Veera coaches besides Set-win services and Chennai has cut root services and reportedly more buses have been inducted there.)
Still BMTC scores higher.Note: My information about Chennai is around 8 months old based on my experience during Nov-05 till July 06. I’m not aware of latest happenings there. Though I’ve learnt that some 100 new buses with hydraulic doors have been inducted recently.
BMTC has launched “Yelli Iddira” a SMS based service which tells commuters location of buses.
Despite high fuel prices, BMTC daily pass is still costing Rs 25, pretty cheap and in fact cheapest of all.
Bus stands (Bus terminals or Bus stops or waiting places) in Bangalore are better than those in Hyderabad or Chennai and are very well maintained. The one at Corporation circle even has a ceiling fan, powered eternally by wind energy!!!
In Chennai the conductor will not move from his seat. Everyone have to go to his seat and buy ticket. Both AP and Karnataka is much better in this aspect.
I appreciate the patience of BMTC drivers as they need to drive such heavy vehicles in Bangalore’s congested traffic, struggling between rash autos and negligent two wheelers.