Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation all ready to feed Metro mania

Bengaluru: BMTC strategically timed the launch of their new hi-tech buses, smart cards and Foot Over Bridge, in co-ordination with the inaugration of Namma Metro Phase-1. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and BMTC Chairman Nagaraj Yadav caught Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unaware when they publicly asked for more funds for BMTC.

“1500 buses out of the 3000 have been paid for by the State. BMTC buses carry 52 lakh Bengalureans. The patronage will not reduce with metro coming in to the picture. Infact, metro needs feeders for which our business will increas," said Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, further adding, " I request more money in budget to be allotted for public buses. Metro has only 5 lakh passengers, while buses will still ferry 50 lakh citizens"

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Chairman Nagaraj Yadav echoed the sentiment saying, " There are 65 lakh private vehicles. Just as large amounts of funds are being given out for Metro, BMTC needs the support too, as we carry the maximum number of people."

Speaking at the launch in the presence of the Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister KJ George, MD Ekroop Caur took the officials on a round, pointing out to them the facilities in the 150 Hi-Tech buses.

These include 4 kinds of buses, having variety of features like Bus ramp, dedicated seat for the disabled, emergency switch, request stop switches, Vehicle Health Monitoring systems and more. As for the much delayed Smart Cards brought about in collaboration with Axis Bank, 4 Lakh discounted passes smart cards were announced for students. 

“In the pilot phase, smart cards will be launch on Route 335 E from 23 June 2017, for 100 commuter. This will be followed by a launch on 15th July, August 1 and 15 subsequently," a press statement said.

The card roll out is being done in phases starting with the student/college passes, E-Purse, and monthly passes. Smart cards will be issued from BMTC counters and select Bangalore One counters.

MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao who also present, said, " Bus fares have to be reduced for people to use it. 

If state government provides support just they way they do in Anna bhagya and krishi bhagya. it will be helpful. White topping and concreting of roads within the bus stands is also needed."

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said,"The renovated foot over bridge, connecting all platforms will have solar panels installed on it later. The Rs 375 lakh F.O.B, also funded by DULT, will give protection to the commuters from rain and heat. " 

New Metro is a blessing, say Bengalureans 
With the inauguration of Phase 1 of Namma Metro, the city now has better connectivity from Nagasadra in the north to Yelachenahalli in the south.

“It is easy for me after this Metro phase, especially when I travel to MG Road. For a city like ours, Metro is a necessity,” said Akshay Balan, a student.

“Metro makes society more advanced. It brings a feeling of civic sense. In our country, it brings a certain quality to public transportation,” said Susan Liju Ipe, a professor, speaking to DC.

“Frequent travellers from Malleswaram to areas like JP Nagar and Jayanagar are stuck in traffic for hours on road. 

But with the Metro life will be much easier for them,” said Sujala Gangadhar, a student.  

As President convoy arrives, cops make way for ambulance 
The city traffic police made way to an ambulance during the movement of the President’s convoy at Trinity Circle on Saturday afternoon.

While President Pranab Mukherjee’s convoy was passing from the HAL Airport towards Raj Bhavan, the police had stopped movement of all vehicles as per protocol. Around 3.45 pm, an ambulance was reportedly stuck between vehicles at Trinity Circle. 

But the alert policemen ensured that the ambulance passed through the traffic and reached the other side of the empty road against one-way, as there was no vehicle movement.