A letter to the BMTC Chairman

Dear Sir,

              I'm an admirer of BMTC's services. As a person who is really interested to know and learn about urban planning, I am glad about how much it serves the people in Bangalore. By people, I mean all the sections of society who use your services. I'm also impressed by the fact that you are one of the few public sector corporations which continuously make profits YoY, in the transport sector. I really admire the fleet of new Volvo buses too. But I have some concerns which I want to share with you.

 

              First thing is the drivers. I know their difficulties. In Bangalore traffic one needs real presence of mind when you drive a vehicle, especially the bus. But, my concern is about some of the drivers who drive as if no other vehicle exists on roads. For eg. the manner in which the BMTC buses enter the service roads from Outer Ring Road is so dangerous. If I remember, it was KA05-FA1574, the bus was going zig-zag on the main road, it entered the service road in a bizzare fashion and it overtook through left and was speeding anywhere above 65 kmph. The sight itself was so scary. Please give some serious lessons to the drivers to drive in urban traffic. Half of the Bangalore traffic will be ok if the BMTC buses follow lane traffic. Also, please ask them to stop the buses only at the designated bus stops. People who stand at the traffic signals also will follow suit. These are two main points I have to suggest about the driving.

               Secondly, it's about some age old buses. The pollution these buses cause is so bad and metal parts are so dangerous. It's pollution is really harmful for people and it even blocks the visibility. Do you add anything along with the fuel? Because sometimes, it's thick black.  And also, it isn't a good picture in the interiors too. It's so dangerous an unsafe inside the bus. So, my humble suggestion in this regard is to just throw these buses away. Just phase them out.

               Now the next issue. I have always wanted to ask this. Why do we have such bulky buses? In the available road space, wouldn't it be easier if smaller sized buses can be used?  Those will ease the traffic too. And also, why do you have two bodies connected and have that longer version of bus, which takes ages to cover the traffic signals? It's too heavy for a single engine so that it goes very slow and the it is so hard for the drivers to take the turns. So, please have only single body buses and please try exploring the possibility of having smaller sized buses.

               Another aspect I wanted to ask was about the Volvo AC buses. They are very good. They are very comfortable for the amount you charge. But, have you tried getting near the AC compressor outside these buses on road? I have had first hand experience and it's really painful because it's too hot near them, even about a meter far. So, this is just an opinion. Do we really require such powerful AC compressors that 'warm up' the surroundings? Can't we have some nature friendly ones? It would add to the "going green" portfolio of the corporation and is largely significant in the context of global warming.

              I'm just another ordinary citizen who want to see equal opportunity and equal treatment to all. And I really admire BMTC for the fact that it carry around almost all sections of the society together in the buses. The specialised services for IT companies, Airport services, the JNNURM scheme buses etc. are all good examples for many others to emulate. I believe that I have the right to give the suggestions above because I have used all of these services. But, I find some of the issues I pointed out could be addressed, which would help BMTC to become a world class leader in the public transport.

Wishing more successes in future.

Thanks,

An ordinary citizen.