BMTC withdraws shuttle service to Swastik Metro station

The much-touted shuttle service of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) service between Kempegowda Bus Station and Swastik Metro Station, introduced to enable easy and quick commute, has been discontinued owing to poor response.

The service was rolled out in March this year, after the inauguration of Reach 3, 3A, between Swastik and Peenya Industry, at a flat fare of Rs five. 

According to officials, BMTC had provided three midi buses (smaller than regular buses) to cover the distance of about one kilometre between Swastik and Majestic. These three buses, which were shuttling between the two points at a gap of five to ten minutes, were running almost empty during weekdays.

The shuttle service was introduced as part of the understanding that BMTC and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) will provide necessary connectivity for commuters utilising both Namma Metro and BMTC buses.

While the BMTC blames poor response on the Swastik-Peenya Metro line, the BMRCL admits the fact and is of the view that there won’t be any such problems once the phase I becomes fully operational.

With the discontinuation of the service, there is little hope of introducing a similar service between Sampige Road and MG Road Metro stations which the two corporations have been mulling over for quite some time.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Kumar Pushkar, IT director, BMTC, said, “We had to discontinue the services some time ago because there were not many takers. In most trips, the buses were running empty on weekdays.

We have no issues starting shuttle services on the request of BMRCL authorities, but again, it depends on the ridership.”

In fact, the feeder services between MG Road and Baiyyappanahalli Metro stations also failed to evoke a good response. 

Pradeep Singh Kharola, Managing Director, BMRCL, said, “The shuttle service was started on an experimental basis and as Namma Metro is still in its nascent stage, such experiences will help both the BMRCL and BMTC once the Phase I or even the east-west connectivity comes into place. If this has failed, we will sit together and bring something new for the convenience of the people.”

Officials of the BMRCL also claim that the shuttle service was not much of a success as it would almost take 25-30 minutes to cover a distance of one kilometre due to traffic.