Bus lanes: BBMP marshals to deploy

BENGALURU: Bengaluru’s techies have taken the BBMP’s  ‘Bus Lane’ project to heart and are doing everything they can to make  it a success. Several software professionals have become dedicated volunteers, travelling on the buses in the lane to support the concept , which they see as part of the battle against air pollution.

Says Mr Srinivas Alavilli, co-founder of Citizen for Bengaluru (CFB), “In a span of 12 hours, as many as 51 passengers have posted videos of travelling on BMTC buses plying on the dedicated lane to encourage others.”

Other drivers on the stretch are being advised to steer clear of the bus lane through WhatsApp groups and  Facebook. One volunteer, a cyclist, is carrying a banner to promote the lane and a ‘#Bus Priority Lane’ has been created.

Mr  Alavilli explains that he and others are going to the companies to spread awareness and pamphlets are being distributed and e- mails sent. “We wanted this lane as if people give up cars and fill even one BMTC bus, it will help remove as many as 30 to 40 cars from the roads. With the bus lane they have the assurance that they will reach their destinations faster than in their cars,” he adds.

The activist observes with satisfaction that almost 80 per cent of other drivers on the roads are respecting the dedicated bus lane since it was introduced.

BMTC spokesman, Deepak Kumar, says the  bus lane project is at present confined to the Outer Ring Road, Central Silk Board , K R Puram Railway Station and Byappanahalli.

“All the marking work is done from the Tin Factory to Ibbalur Junction for about 12 kms. Most of the work will be completed in three days and the entire project will be ready in a fortnight,” he assures, adding, “ Not only is the cost of the project less, but IT professionals too are responding to it in big number as it reduces pollution.”

Meanwhile, the BBMP has decided to deploy marshals alongside the bus lane to ensure that it is used only  by the BMTC and build 32 bus shelters along the dedicated lane corridor. The decisions were taken at a meeting called by BBMP commissioner, B H Anil Kumar,  with the stakeholders in the bus lane project.

The traffic police too is doing its bit to discourage other drivers from straying into the bus lane by imposing a hefty fine of Rs 500 for a first offence and Rs 1,000 for a second .