[sustran] BMRCL's plan no threat to BMTC

[Vinay Baindur]

http://www.mid-day.com/news/2011/sep/050911-news-bangalore-BMRCLs-plan-no-threat-to-BMTC.htm


BMRCL's plan no threat to BMTC
*By: *Sheetal Sukhija
*Date: *2011-09-05


*As Metro services are expected to begin by Sept 25, the BMTC plans to
introduce a fleet of 100 additional buses for 'Bus Day' on Sept 5 in a bid
to keep passengers loyal to the public transport facility*

With the BMRCL all set to start operations on Reach I by September 25, the
BMTC has now come up with what is being called a new strategy to retain
customers. The BMTC is planning to introduce 100 additional buses for 'Bus
Day' to be held on September 5, and will be putting all spare vehicles on
the road to increase bus strength on city roads.


*Survival strategy: BMTC plans to focus on quality and to make travel
by their buses more user-friendly.*

Meanwhile, traffic experts who conducted an informal survey at the start of
the Metro project, claim that around 20 per cent BMTC users would move over
to Metro services once operations begin. However, despite regular statements
and comments by higher officials in the city's mass transport department,
BMTC officials maintain that the Metro poses no threat to them whatsoever.

*Working around
*"Bangalore Metro is no threat to us. It would definitely ease traffic flow
and while the Metro will focus on the main corridor, BMTC will operate on
interior routes. If the other Metro projects take off fast, then we might
incur a 10 per cent loss. We will need to co-ordinate to sort out any such
issues," said Prabhu Das, chief traffic manager, BMTC.

"Regarding travel convenience for IT professionals and college students,
whose organisations fall in the path of the Reach I, Metro would be their
first option rather than the BMTC. It remains to be seen however, if the
BMTC will face any direct impact at the end of this year," said a source
within the transport department. With the BMTC drawing flak for irregular
services, arrogant drivers and ever increasing accidents, news of the Metro
being inaugurated has got them on their toes.

The department is now planning projects and initiatives, which would make
the public transport body more user friendly, and another objective being
looked into by the BMTC is improvement in quality of services. "At the
moment, around 47 lakh people take BMTC buses daily. This month, on 'Bus
Day', we will have 100 spare vehicles plying in core areas and the timings
of buses running on general shifts, will also be prolonged. We will also
increase trips to please passengers," said Das.