Finally, we managed to convince parents to leave behind their car for the J P Nagar to Whitefield trip they take so often to come see us. And now they love it. Better ride and no tension of driving. What clinched the deal was a simple game one evening, when their grandson said "let me count all 500Cs coming the other way". Between 4.10 and 4.30 PM, he counted 11 (I think some were 500Ks). Following week, similar counting exercise at about the same time for about 25 minutes said 12.
Is this rapid fire frequency on certain routes to entice commuters a well thought out plan from BMTC. I am dreaming Bus-only lanes on Outer Ring Road, and on old airport road as well - those would further sweeten the deal.
Must say that I now think twice before driving in from my suburb to City Center, or South Bangalore. I have taken the 500C/K/KB a few times, in both directions, and last two Saturday afternoons - 3 PM to be precise - the bus was always 50% occupied or better between Kundalahalli and Jayanagar 5th block. Would be nice to hear the results of this "rapid fire" experiment from BMTC.
But, the two basic problems remain
Last mile connectivity - All these bus investments would see faster return on investments with focus on this simple but nagging area. Assume that people would go to a bus stop only if it is "ten minutes away". Walking is typically done at 5 km/ hr. Organized local connectivity at 15 km / hr could get people from areas three times as far from the corridor.
Change of bus - Certain spots have to be earmarked for bus exchange. Instead of waiting for a 333P or 335E, I can take Big10 to Marathahalli, catch the next 500D (or the regular 500A - but I prefer Volvo for long routes as they move faster) from there to Silk board, and the a 600K etc from there to Jayanagar. Try doing it one day, and you would know why its not easy.
We hear that a plan for local shuttles is close to being implemented. I certainly am eagerly looking forward to the details.
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Need better frequency on other routes and wider coverage
I end up taking the Vayu Vajra, which costs a little more than twice the regular Vajra fare. But I must say, the service is quite reliable as far as the timing goes.
I just contacted CTMO for 500D and 500A routes
I wrote a letter to CTMO about 500D and 500A extension to Vijaynagar just like 500K since lots of offices are coming on the Doddenakundi Stretch like Honeywell, EMC, HP. 500K will be fully occuppied by ITPL folks. So we need dedicated Vijaynagar to Hebbal buses running on ORR. CTMO replied that it will be examined.
I live in Kattriguppe and have to travel to Doddenakundi where my office will be shifted shortly. Office bus comes too early and he roams around the city wasting the time. It is not comfortable either.
Changing the buses gives more options like taking 500K till Silkboard and changing over to 500D, but carrying a laptop on the back with a lunch box in the hand and crossing the chaotic roads if needed makes it difficult and risky.
Extension of 500A and 500D to Vijaynagar gives everyone more options.
Simple rationalization between 500 and 335/Big10
You don't have to be a genius to see that simple route re-adjustment covering various routes in this area will do.
Its no rocket science. But we know why such a scheme wont fly - its hard to change buses, and BMTC has "assumed" that people only like point to point buses.
Putting up nice pavements, road crossing signals, road fencing etc wont take more than cost of buses the route rationalization effort will free up.
Except when it rains, people can walk. And many many many people like to walk, and be out in the open as long as it is easy, clean and convenient. Try it BMTC and BBMP, just give it a shot.