People complain as BMTC app throws up glitches

Bengaluru: It has been over 20 days since BMTC launched its mobile app as part of its Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and the response from commuters is mixed. Though there is a general consensus that the app is a brilliant idea as it has helped people plan their trips, a few commuters have questioned its accuracy during peak hours.

BMTC, meanwhile, is working hard to improve the app day by day. Officials said it is a mammoth task bringing the entire network on the app because of innumerable complexities and operational challenges. But, BMTC is committed to making commuting easier for Bengalureans, they said.

Rajeev K., a regular BMTC commuter, said, “I downloaded the app during its pilot launch. Earlier, there were very few buses under it, but now almost 70 per cent of buses are included, which is good. There are a few issues, but it looks like they are fixing everything slowly.”

On the contrary, another commuter Krishna Kumar said, “It works somewhat fine during morning hours and for buses heading towards Majestic. But it is very erratic during the evening rush hour, as some of the listed buses disappear and the arrival and departure times go haywire.”

Mr Biswajit Mishra, IT head, BMTC, said, “Undoubtedly, this is a major challenge for us. We have been trying to fix issues with each passing day. The backend office has been working hard to provide a seamless travel. One complaint we have received from the people is that the app is not able to show indirect routes and we are working on it. Very soon, it will be able to give both direct and indirect routes.”

He said, “The expectation is huge. Commuters expect us to be on par with Uber and Ola. But we have to understand that in Uber and Ola, the drivers are at their will to take a ride. Whereas we have scheduled trips and mapping the buses has to be done without fail. Often, there are challenges like when a bus break downs. Again when a bus is replaced, we have to do the mapping again. Failure of comply with schedules also makes a big difference.”

On buses disappearing from the app, he said, “It is quite hard to explain these issues to commuters. Connectivity drops at most places and at times commuters don’t see the bus routes. By the time their connectivity is back, the bus would have moved on from that route.”

He said, “No amount of pilot runs will help. The actual launch is the only way to identify issues. Hence, we went ahead with it. We have a large network of buses. We are doing each bit step by step. I request people to have some patience and give us some time to fix the issues.”