Book your seats!

Among the worst things that can happen after a long day at the office is that your BMTC bus is late, and going seatless on a crowded bus. This struggle is something all BMTC bus commuters have gone through. Yet, there might be an end to such woes with this new initiative. Soon BMTC buses will allow passengers to pre-book seats, tickets, and also be allowed to track their buses. Their new mobile app will aid passengers in doing all this, in peace and quiet. We chat with BMTC passengers to find out about their thoughts on this.

Chaitra R, a city-based professional feels that it is good that our public transport is becoming more technologically friendly, “BMTC buses during peak hours and in particularly crowded routes  is always a hassle. This initiative is surely a saviour as I have travelled countless times during peak hours, and it’s impossible to know when the bus will arrive. Tracking the bus helps plan ahead. It’s really great that the BMTC is moving forward technology-wise. I think that this move will also motivate people to use public transport rather than their own vehicles.”

The success or failure of this initiative lies in how the pilot takes off. Homemaker Swetha S says, “It’s a great initiative as right now we take a ticket only for travel. But if we are able to pre-book tickets then there nothing better than getting a guaranteed seat in a very crowded bus. But having said that, with the number of people using public transport, it’s not possible for everyone to get a seat. It will be more of a first-come-first-get basis. It’s a good start but this system will have to be streamlined. I think a pilot run should be conducted first to see if this initiative meets expectations or not.”

Jagjot Kaur, a student, feels that this move will ensure senior citizens travelling in buses will get a seat for sure. She adds, “Being able to book seats in advance will help  the elderly who use public transport. As a student, tracking buses will be of great help as it will help us plan ahead, and ensure that we are not late for college. But, only smart-phone users will be able to use this facility. I think regular passengers need to be made aware that such a facility exists, and how they can use it for seamless travel.”

Channabasappa, public relations officer of BMTC elaborates, “This concept was brought about mainly for  passengers’ comfort. Many people opt for cabs only because it is more comfortable than travelling in BMTC buses, and no one prefers standing for long periods. The BMTC will ensure that people are made aware of this facility
now. “