SPOTLIGHT AGENCIES
Written By narayan82 - 10 July, 2008
BIAL Bangalore BMTC BIAS Vaayu Vajra public transport
The BIAS services (Vaayu Vajras) are Bleeding! Only 1 out of every 4 busses on route Nos. 3 & 4 are even close to half full. I have seen a lot of the busses running almost empty. The return journeys seem to be faring better.
The reasons for this could be the following
· Very scattered Frequency (sometimes 1 every hour)
· Busses hardly on time (w.r.t the time displayed on the board)
· Last mile connectivity still a problem (For E.g the Cell Cab from my place takes me to the nearest bus stop – Taj Residency – then scoots and I have to wait till the next bus.
· Bus Stops are uncomfortable to wait in – uneven pavements, security and rain.
I propose a new system under which all these can be tackled.
To start with I have chosen 3 key routes. These routes linked with 335E (as mentioned earlier on Praja) can supply the whole of Bangalore with a good service to the airport. The three routes are listed below.
We currently have 60 busses. Hence each route can have 20 busses. Approximate travel time on each route is 5 hours (return) or 300 mins, hence the frequency would be (300/20) bus every 15 Mins. This is on the higher side, if traffic moved freely and turnaround time is cut it will be about 4.5 Hours return journey = a frequency of approximately 10 mins.
I have then categorized stops into “Key Stops” and “Quick Stops” . A quick stop is like an existing bus stand, where the stop is merely a board and a piece of pavement.
A “Key Stop” must have the following features
· Parking
· Taxi Stands/Auto Stand (Pre-paid booth)
· Food Shops (Optional)
· 24/7 Security
· Electronic Display boards (Yelli iddira?)
· Information Kiosks
I have tried to have the Key Stops at locations which already have these. For Example – Forum mall, Sigma mall, KBS and Malleshwaram 18th Cross. Some need to be only polished and very few have to be built from scratch. Some of these Key Stops can be inside the 5 star Hotels. Anyway hotels in Bangalore plan to do away with Airport Drop Services, this could be a workable alternative.
The feeder service (last mile connectivity) should operate only to and from Key Stops. This way if the taxi gets there about 10 mins before the bus, waiting with luggage is less of an issue.
Lastly, yes – traffic is a constraint. But as 333E demonstrates, if we have sufficient number of busses, then we can still maintain a good frequency.
I do hope BMTC re-looks at its 9 services for BIAL.
Suggestion to silkboard & narayan82 to prevent loss of BMTC
ssheragu - 10 July, 2008 - 14:00
This suggestion may be sent to BMTC to prevent their revenue loss due to Vayu Vajra
one simple solution would be to allow good / qulaity electronic advertsiements by Hotels, IT companies, taxi cab companies etc. inside buses, for a fee / payment.
this way the companies can increase their sales and BMTC can avoid loss and generate profits
if this is a viable suggestion, this suggestion can be sent to BMTC
Srinath Heragu
Yes, BMTC is losing money on these
silkboard - 10 July, 2008 - 05:18
Contacts at BMTC admit that the airport services are running losses, and they are seeking ideas and suggestions to improve usage of Vayu Vajras. Please pour in your constructive and near to mid-term suggestins here and we will send those to BMTC.
Narayan - I would add synchronizing Vaayu Vajra times with all existing regular BMTC Volve routes. And if BMTC can offer single ticket to the airport (ex for me take 335E to HAL airport, then take BIAS-4 from there, say for Rs 175 or 200, or using 335E to Leela palace and your suggested route #2).
You probably are missing out east/suth easter sub-rubs. Another route from Sarjapur road area or HSR layout area (from silk board?) running via Outer ring Road may add.
Vajra's and Last mile connectivity
narayan82 - 10 July, 2008 - 05:29
SB, as you rightly pointed out BIAS has to be synchornized with other volvos. But with the traffic levels, getting a bus to arrive on time is very hard. Hence, instead of synchronizing timings, have a bus every 10 mins! Hence maximum waiting time is 9 mins - can live with that.
As you rightly said about connecting services, and taking it forward - Tickets for BIAS should be available on ANY BMTC bus. Hence from anywhere in Bangalore, in theory, you should be able to get a Vajra/Suvarna/MBS/Normal Bus to the nearest BIAS bus stop and onwards on a single ticket. the same on return journeys.
About areas which aren't covered right now: I tried to have the routes in an way that traffic is least encountered. Hence not too many diversions. This will keep travel time shorter and frequency higher.
This is where I feel the Cell Cabs and SGL come into play. if they can drop you to the nearest "Key Stop" for Rs.100/- and get you a 25% off on the BIAS it can do the job. In fact SGL/Cell Cabs should guarantee that they put you on a BIAS Bus and not vanish after dropping under a signboard! I will never have a bus stop at my doorstep, but for 100 rs I would be happy to engage someone who guarantees me a bus!
As BIAS bus service is increased more routes can be added. Also I have planned the map with my knowledge only. Some statistics on air travellers and where they stay would enhance it lot more. Maybe we need to re-work the routes completely.
Rithesh - 10 July, 2008 - 06:12
I doubt if it is even half filled. Many times I have seen these buses with just one or two passengers. They should be facing a hemorrhage –
• A possible solution would be to create a hub near Hebbal (BMTC has a depot just next to the flyover and also below the flyover there is ample vacant land).
• Have a dedicated bus system between the airport and this hub. Even in the worst case scenario it takes one hour to reach the airport from Hebbal. We could have a bus leaving from each end every 15 mins. For that 8 buses will be needed (+2 as a buffer).
• Then connect this hub at Hebbal to all places in Bangalore with the remaining 50 Volvo buses along with the other Volvo buses.
• These Volvo buses need not be dedicated only for airport passengers.
• Instead it could be integrated with the city transport – basically that implies that anyone can use this (I have tried getting into the Vaju Vajras to travel locally and they just refuse to let in non airport passengers).
• Even with the current configuration on the Volvo buses (non BIAS buses) there is ample space for luggage at the center of the bus. The luggage carriers on these BIAS buses could be replaced with seats. The conductors of the Volvo buses could be trained to help airport passengers with their luggage.
• This way the frequency of Volvo buses within the city will also increase and more people will use this facility - reducing losses for BMTC.
• One of the drawbacks would be - changing buses at Hebbal. But with a well designed bus station this problem can be minimized.
• Also this “may” lead to more travel time.
Increase frequency and ticket charge
cajalal - 10 July, 2008 - 06:41
Hi,
Synchronizing buses, though a good idea, will not be realizable/implementable given Bangalore traffic conditions. Only way to promote bus usage is to increase frequency and routes. I feel that if there is increased frequency and conveneint routes users wouldn't mind paying more - for example, existing Rs 150 from Whitefield to BIAL is really cheap!
If one has to change buses in between - especially if one has more than one luggage/bag as generally the case with international travellers - it may not go well with many users.
If BMTC can sustain BIAS (with return trips fetching good revenue) with some increase in ticket charges, it will be great.
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