Opinion: Bengaluru's Bus Route Shortcomings Reflect Larger Urban Challenges

Seegehalli is an urban village on the north east end of the current BBMP limits. They have a village square where each morning at 7:30am a BMTC bus, 311G, takes off towards the city market. This is the only bus service in Seegehalli today.

As you can imagine, most people can¡¯t schedule their life around this bus. Even if they did, the roughly 60000 people that call Seegehalli village home wouldn¡¯t fit inside one bus.

So most adult male daily commuters from the village have invested in a two-wheeler. Women, children, and occasional commuters walk 20 minutes to the Bhattarahalli bus stop on Old Madras Road each time they need to travel outside the village. When in a hurry or tired they look for autos or a friend that can give them a lift.

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Why it is not limited to Bengaluru

Because of this, people in Seegehalli that don¡¯t own a vehicle end up spending disproportionate amounts of time waiting and walking without the infrastructure to do so safely and with dignity. They also end up spending more per trip in comparison to people that own a vehicle. And so, more and more people aspire to own their own vehicle someday and save time, effort and money.

This is a part of a larger trend. The shortcomings of bus infrastructure in Bengaluru reflect closely the larger challenges faced by our city.

Bengaluru has gotten denser and sprawled outwards rapidly over the last 50 years. While some amenities like electricity have been able to keep up with this growth - water supply, public transport, health and education have not been able to scale.

How large portions are left out

Today, Bengaluru¡¯s bus network doesn¡¯t cover vast portions of the city. The routes and the number of buses remain largely the same as when they were designed in the 90¡¯s after the incorporation of the BMTC. While buses ply frequently on major roads, inner roads and newer denser urban villages remain underserved or not served at all.

Buses that do run are often criticized for their inconsistent schedules and overcrowding. Passengers frequently face long wait times, only to board buses that are already packed to the brim. Bus bunching is a common sight, where after 30 minutes of nothing 4 of the same buses turn up together.

Bus shelters are dilapidated and often lacking basic amenities like benches. Commuters are left exposed to the sun and rain while waiting for their buses, and the absence of comfortable seating and information displays contributes to the overall unpleasant commuting experience.

¡°I have 3 children who go to college or school at 3 different timings. And we do not have buses in the timings they require. So I have to make 6 trips to and fro, in my 2-wheeler, for my 3 kids. In an emergency, we have to request or beg someone to help drop the kids. Or an auto that will cost Rs.100 to go to Bhattarahalli from where they then get buses - 3 children, 6 trips, we cannot afford Rs.600 per day for auto alone,¡± says Sangeetha, a member of the Alli Serona Collective from Seegahalli.

What can be done

Bengaluru's bus route shortcomings are not just isolated problems; they are symptomatic of more extensive urban challenges. These include rapid urbanization without adequate urban planning, population growth without a corresponding expansion of public transportation infrastructure, and insufficient investment in sustainable transport options. To address these issues, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach that combines effective city planning, investment in public transportation, and an emphasis on sustainable urban development.

Improving Bengaluru's bus route system is a significant step toward mitigating these challenges. To achieve this, several measures must be taken. First, there should be a comprehensive evaluation of the existing routes and the identification of underserved areas. The expansion of the bus network to cover these areas should be prioritized. Additionally, better coordination between different modes of public transportation, such as buses and metro, can provide a seamless and efficient commuting experience.

Investments in modernizing the bus fleet, maintaining road infrastructure, and enhancing the overall passenger experience are essential. Adequate bus shelters, information systems, and regular maintenance can improve the attractiveness of public transportation.

Efforts to decongest the city's roads through better traffic management and road safety initiatives are equally important. Implementing dedicated bus lanes and promoting the use of non-motorized transport like cycling can help reduce traffic congestion.

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The Alli Serona Collective is a new voice in this conversation about better public transport in Bengaluru. The collective has created a platform to ensure representation from those working in the informal workforce when it comes to decision making in the city. The collective has been actively working on providing a local solution to public transport infrastructure in the city and hope that their solutions and ideas are executed in order to help thousands of families in the city move in a more sustainable, accessible and equitable way.

A great city is made of three things - people, opportunities, and the space between the two. Bengaluru needs to find a way to connect its people to its opportunities in a neat and dignified manner.

Adequate funding, innovative solutions, and a comprehensive approach to urban planning are all necessary. Additionally, the city should prioritize public transportation and invest in the infrastructure needed to make it a more viable and attractive option for its residents. In doing so, Bengaluru can pave the way for a more just, inclusive, and friendly urban environment where public spaces are reclaimed from private vehicles, and the quality of life for all its citizens is enhanced.

About the author: Pravar Chaudhary is the Lead Designer at Bengawalk, which is part of the Alli Serona Collective. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.