Bengaluru: To improve the accessibility and convenience of public transport in Bengaluru, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has introduced 38 new Metro feeder buses serving passengers at various metro stations across the city.
Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy inaugurated this initiative outside the KR Puram Metro Station, accompanied by a significant commitment from Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of various companies. These corporate leaders pledged to make public transport a part of their weekly routines, vowing to use it at least twice a week.
The newly introduced feeder buses come in two variants, with both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned options, catering to the diverse needs of passengers. The majority of these feeder buses, totaling 30, will operate from the bustling KR Puram Metro Station. This move aligns with ongoing efforts to promote public transport as a solution to ease traffic congestion and reduce the city’s carbon footprint.
On the inaugural day of the service, 22 Metro feeder buses, comprising both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned vehicles, embarked on their journeys from KR Puram Metro Station, eventually converging at Central Silk Board Junction. Additionally, eight buses will operate from KR Puram Metro Station, four from Kadugodi, and an additional four following an alternative route from Kadugodi.
Several CEOs from tech companies, IAS and IPS officers, and other professionals opted to experience the convenience of these feeder buses as they made their way to the Metro station. The feeder buses are expected to maintain an admirable frequency, with buses arriving at intervals of 5-8 minutes.
To ensure seamless connectivity and accessibility, these feeder buses have been strategically planned to serve key routes:
1. MF-1C Buses departing from KR Puram Metro Station will journey through Mahadevapura, Marathahalli Bridge, Kadubeesanahalli, Agara before reaching Central Silk Board.
2. MF-2 This route covers Mahadevapura, Marathahalli Bridge, Kundalahalli Gate, Graphite India, and Garudacharpalya.
3. MF-3 Buses run from Kadugodi to Hopefarm, ITPL, Graphite India, and AECS Layout, offering increased connectivity in the city’s tech corridor.
4. MF-4: These buses commence their journey from Kadugodi and will connect passengers to Marathahalli via Hope Farm, Varthurkodi, and Siddapura, expanding the reach of public transport.
Significantly, the extension of Bengaluru’s Purple Line from Baiyappanahalli to KR Puram has considerably enhanced ridership, bridging the gap between the city’s IT hub and central regions. The introduction of these new feeder buses serves as a pivotal link in this improved connectivity, promising a smoother and more sustainable commuting experience for Bengaluru residents.