I am of the strong opinion that the solution to Bangalore or Bengaluru's traffic problem is public transport which is primarily Metro rail and BMTC buses. Whenever I can, I try to follow through with that for my travel. Usually, it has been mostly on Metro when the point-to-point connection is perfect. But, on 25th May 2022, for an evening tryst at Bangalore club, I did the Metro + Bus which is the ideal last-mile connectivity instaed of an Auto if you keep cost also in mind. This blog is my experience from that trip and later my observations and comments. Bear wth me as its a bit long but I thought detailing it would help someone somewhere sometime to improve this critical means of transportation for our beloved city.
At 7pm on a weekday, Google was estimating a drive as well as public transport (mix of metro + bus, metro + walk, or metro + auto) to be about an hour give or take a few mins. Since I was alone, the public transport cost was very much in my favor as by car meant I would use about 2.5 liters of petrol for the 30 km total distance which would cost approximately 250 rs.
6.30pm: Outward journey, Home to Bangalore Club:
6.30 - 5mins - Walk 500 meters to Silk Institute metro station.
6.45 - 20mins - Metro to RV Road station (25 rs)
7.10 - 1min - Walk 50 meters to Jayanagar 38th cross Bus stop
7.15 - 30mins - BMTC bus to Bishop Cottons stop on Residency road. (20 rs)
7.45 - 5 mins - Walk 150 meters to Bangalore club
7.50pm Reached. Total time: 1hr 20mins. Cost 45 rs. Total Walk: 700 meters
10.30pm: Homeward journey, Bangalore club to Home:
10.30 - 15mins - Walk 1km to Townhall Bus stop (because of missing Bus stop, details below)
10.45 - 10mins - BMTC Bus ride to KR market after waiting 5 mins (5 rs)
10.55 - 5mins - Walk 500 meters to KR Market Metro station
11.10 - 25mins - Metro to Silk Institute (35rs)
11.35 - 5mins - Walk 500 meters home
11.40pm reached. Total time: 1hr 5 mins. Cost 40 Rs. Total Walk: 2kms
Total cost: Rs. 85. Total travel time: 2hr 25 mins. Total distance walked 2.7kms
Now my comments. The outward journey was perfect and very pleasant. It was a short walk to the Bus Stop from Jayanagar Metro station. The place was clean and I could sit comfortably for a few mins until the half-empty bus #13 came. Interestingly this bus is not listed by Google and I had to confirm with the conductor before boarding. The bus filled up at Shantinagar TTMC but did not become over crowded. All in all, a perfect commute.
The Homeward journey was not as smooth. For starters, no busses back to Jayanagar appeared on
Google options. Because start was after 10pm? The best option was a bus to Majestic and then Metro. However, the location shown as the Bus stop at Richmond circle had no stop sign or structure! One bus going towards Majestic did not stop there even as I waved. I asked someone at a small shop who waved his hand casually to indicate there was a stop further toward Kanteerva. I walked about 500 meters to it, only to find the stop in the dark and cars parked in front of it! Clearly not functional at that time.
Google options. Because start was after 10pm? The best option was a bus to Majestic and then Metro. However, the location shown as the Bus stop at Richmond circle had no stop sign or structure! One bus going towards Majestic did not stop there even as I waved. I asked someone at a small shop who waved his hand casually to indicate there was a stop further toward Kanteerva. I walked about 500 meters to it, only to find the stop in the dark and cars parked in front of it! Clearly not functional at that time.
Knowing the area a bit, I made a spot decision and walked further quickly to the Corporation Circle Bus stop hoping to catch a bus to KR Market. After 5 mins or so one came by which I got on. It stopped near Kalasipalya. The area around was quite scary but I made it to the metro station after a brisk walk with another commuter who knew a shortcut but with non existant lighting and worse conditions than the longer main road. I hurried in as I didn't want to miss the train if it was arriving shortly because a wait would be 20mins. Checking the sign for the track towards Silk Institute was confusing due to poor graphic design, as explained below. Thankfully more signs and the guard helped to ensure I took the right one. Rest of the trip was smooth.
I do feel, METRO + BMTC or just BMTC is a winning combination for any commute if everything goes well with time, location, quality and rush of the bus.
Things that can be improved:
1) Bus timings and options. I relied on Google for this. Clearly it was not perfect.
2) Bus stops. All bus stops need sign and structure for seating. Buses need to stop properly there. NO PARKING of vehicles should be allowed in front of it at ALL times.
3) Pathways/roads from closest bus stops to Metro station and viceversa should be clearly marked and lighted.
4) Proper and secure bicycle stands at the suburban stations, ex Silk Institute, would help commuters especially now with schools starting, to bike up also.
On my trip, if I had family with me or seniors, the homeward journey was not possible or would have been extremely unpleasant. I either had to take an auto or cab to a nearby Metro station or all the way home.
I think so. I feel a better more clearer sign is needed or just split it to 2 for either side of the escalator so that NO ONE can be confused.
Final points. My pet peeves on the current goverment policies regarding public transportation. No amount of widening the roads, underpasses, flyovers, smart signals, etc will alleviate the congestion. They are all bandaid fixes which within few weeks or months will become bottlenecks. Need of the hour is lesser vehicles on the road and MUCH MUCH MORE investment and use of PUBLIC TRANSPORT. It should become so good, that I can take my family, even toddlers, and seniors without a second thought!
