BMTC
I enjoy my travel in our BMTC buses. I curiously observe the way things work and some of the stuff that caught my attention are listed here.
1. The Conductors & Drivers shout the destination (& major intermediate stops) at every stop.
Is it because the city has grown too cosmopolitan (causal effect of point 2?) or is it because of the illiteracy rate?
2. All destinations & routes are written only in Kannada language.
I’m reminded of my stay in Japan – local language everywhere and proud about it! At least, the numbers are not in Kannada – which helps guys like me who can’t read the language.
3. Most buses have doors that can be closed by the drivers at the flick of a button.
Respect for passenger safety… Most other Indian metro buses don’t have that!
4. In some buses the driver doubles up as the conductor.
Similar to most foreign countries. But kinda increases the wait times at the stops.
5. Conductors are stationed at different points in city selling “Day pass” – shouting like street hawkers.
Is this a strategic decision or coz of lack of buses to operate?
6. One of the very few profit-making transport corporations.
Other corporations need to take lessons from these folks.
What is your curious observation?
Oldaine: BTS/BMTC for ‘Hold on’
Rhiaya: All Right
Bus conductors start speaking to you in Hindi if they think you “look” north-indian, especially on the routes toward E-city and Koramangala!
Good observations! Chennai has an excellent bus network too..unfortunately, the buses are almost always in a dilapidated condition. Not that people mind, really. They are as cheap as hell. I also can’t wait to come back and try my luck with them Volvos within the city!
Haven’t used buses much as my destinations are usually in the shivajinagar side and as we fall under the KSRTC routes there are not many buses bound in the direction. But the few times I have tried them, I have found the conductors very useful in telling me where i could get off for a suitable connection onward – “East end nalli ilidu allinda bere bus thogolree”
The buses are fairly quiet – especially the Parisara Vahinis. That was a very welcome change. And the seating layout there-in is pretty comfy as well, unlike before.
Also, the ads – there are a large number of ads on the buses.
Ambar,
Its just not just Bus conductors – its happened to moi almost every damn place – from the mall to the kaaka angadi.
BangaloreGuy, very true. And one is caught in a dilemma, answer back in Hindi, or switch to Kannada? :D
Well,
I once talked all the way in shuddh hindi to an autowallah. He only came to know I speak Kannada, when he tried to fleece me!