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Minibus that BMTC needs for local shuttles?
Written By silkboard - 6 February, 2012
Bangalore BMTC Bus Local Shuttles suggestion Last Mile Transportation public transport
Some of us think that operating local shuttles as the last mile / local connect option will help bring more people from deeper areas to the trunk routes, and thus make public transport better. However, BMTC folks don't find local shuttles to be viable. One reason given for un-viability is minibus design. They would want a minibus where the entrance is right next to the driver so that 1 staff (driver himself) can operate the local shuttle. Arguing about smartcards / pass-only options for using local shuttle is one thing. But as far as the equipment is concerned, I have seen a few in Bangalore itself. Here is picture of one, notice the entrance door right in the front.
Single door shuttles would still be inconvenient, getting in and out will take longer time. You could compensate for that by forcing the local shuttles to be pass-only, or smartcard-only.
Local shuttles need not be operated by BMTC themselves if they find the option "un-viable". I would request Murali to stay away. But the options are outsource local shuttles for designated suburban areas with strict norms for smartcards etc. And this outsourcing could be done to RWA like groups themselves, need not be regular private parties.
COMMENTS
Anithasunil - 8 March, 2012 - 05:19
I would like to explore the bus pooling option for apartments in my locality (near Hosa road).
If any of you have ideas on whom to talk to, Please let me know.
kamalakar pandit - 6 February, 2012 - 15:38
Its an ex'llent idea to have mini bus ...for the last mile connectivity...hope BMTC does this as early as possible. It will get rid of the auto and its problems to great extent. every time each and every people are not happy with auto's when it comes to last mile connectivity...we always end up in paying more...
Regards
kamalakar pandit.
Vasanth - 7 February, 2012 - 00:20
Sahakar Nagar is a very widely spread area. Buses to inner portion is less in frequency. People get down on the Bellary Road and take the seat autos usually 4-5 people sitting. They charge 5 rupee per person.
A control should be brought into this with only 3 per shared auto or have a 7 seater tata magic seat autos serving the bus stop of locality with inner roads. Shared autos from TTMCs and Metro Stations manned by a Traffic Cop who ensures there is no overloading, would be more convenient for commuters.
idontspam - 7 February, 2012 - 07:31
I don't think dedicated last mile services would be viable (also, BMTC says they have already tested & found it unviable).
I have not seen the study/data but have heard from various people that BMTC makes the most money in the 5km range because of the way fares are designed. As the distance increases the fares dont increase proportionally. If true BMTC must actually be earning more on short trips than long ones. Will be good if some Praja people can do some math based on the ticket fares for various distances on the routes they use to clear the air on this one.
Naveen - 7 February, 2012 - 04:29
As discussed previously, I don't think dedicated last mile services would be viable (also, BMTC says they have already tested & found it unviable).
One possible way to make this viable is for the RWAs to own, operate & subsidise the services from parking revenues, assuming RWAs are allowed to manage local areas & charge for parking.
Though this might lead to inherent problems, such as manipulation of accounts by some RWA members, etc, it may be worth exploring with mandatory book-keeping & submission of monthly accounts to public domain/s.
@Vasanth - 4/5 in an auto is still okay. In Navi Mumbai, autos load 7/8 persons during peak hours (2 in front on each side of driver + 5 on back seat - with people sitting on the laps of others)! If cops try to regulate, the services will halt temporarily & restart again later.
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