Bengaluru: In order to help Namma Metro users avail the service of feeder buses, BMTC has decided to install GPS device in these buses. “The device will be connected to an app that will help the commuter track the movement of buses, their destination and timings,” said Dr Ekroop Caur, Managing Director, BMTC.
While taking part in a panel discussion here on Thursday regarding first and last mile connectivity of Namma Metro, Dr Kaur said, “Fifty per cent of metro passengers use BMTC feeder buses, but many metro stations lack parking space for buses.”
The panel discussion, moderated by civic evangelist Ravichander, saw members agreeing that integration of different modes of transport was the way forward.
When Ravichandar asked BMRCL Managing Director Pradeep Singh Kharola about footpaths to facilitate mobility for Metro commuters, he said, “We are working with the BBMP to have footpaths, half a kilometre around stations.” Connecting bus stands to metro stations through underpass or skywalks was also discussed.
Kharola assured that Phase 2 of Metro will be implemented better than Phase 1. “In the first phase, we were concentrating on construction and did not think about last mile connectivity. Since Phase 2 is being built on the city outskirts, land acquisition also will not be a problem,” he added.
Ekroop Kaur said the new BMTC bus stands across the city will be more pedestrian sensitive, with subways and foot overbridges built with BBMP's help. “We will also have smaller buses,” she added.
Urban expert Ashwin Mahesh pointed out that lack of funding for buses was affecting city’s transport system. “The BMTC has a deficit of 6,000 buses. Government has not given them enough money, even though they carry majority of Bengaluru's ridership. Also, the existing fleet needs to be replaced before bringing in the new ones.”
After the discussion, STAMP (Station Access and Mobility Programme), an initiative by Toyota Mobility Foundation in collaboration with World Resources Institute (WRI), was launched to seek people’s views on solution to first and last mile connectivity of Namma Metro.
Pawan Mulukutla from WRI said, “This programme will engage citizen groups, entrepreneurs and government agencies. Workshops will be held on safe access and three ideas will be selected, piloted and launched.
B.PAC CEO Revathy Ashok and members of Toyota Foundation members took part in the discussion.
