Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is set to introduce onboard audio advertisements on 300 non-AC buses as part of its efforts to strengthen non-fare revenue.
The corporation has floated tenders inviting bidders to install, operate and maintain a centralised in-bus audio advertising system for an initial period of three years, extendable by another three years.
Audio ads to begin in first phase
In the first phase, the system will be installed on ordinary, express and night-service buses operating across Bengaluru.
Each advertisement will be limited to 10 seconds and must be broadcast in Kannada, while English and Hindi versions will remain optional.
BMTC has specified that advertisements must not contain objectionable, obscene, politically partisan or communally sensitive content. Every advertisement will require prior written approval from the corporation before being aired.
GPS-enabled advertising planned
The centralised audio system will be integrated with BMTC’s GPS and Intelligent Transport System (ITS), enabling location-based advertisements to be played during bus journeys.
BMTC will reserve 10 per cent of the total airtime for its own announcements, including public service messages and passenger information.
The successful bidder will pay a monthly licence fee to BMTC, with a 5 per cent annual escalation from the second year onwards. Each bus will be fitted with at least two bracket-mounted speakers, and the tender prohibits drilling into the structural body of the vehicles during installation.
The last date for submitting bids is August 31, while technical bids will be opened on September 2.
Move aims to strengthen non-fare revenue
The initiative comes as BMTC seeks to diversify its income sources beyond ticket collections.
The corporation currently operates 6,955 buses, running 6,272 services, covering 12.28 lakh kilometres and operating 67,841 trips daily. Its daily traffic revenue stands at approximately ₹7.19 crore.
While BMTC’s traffic revenue increased from ₹2,039 crore in 2024–25 to ₹2,677.51 crore in 2025–26, non-traffic revenue declined from ₹729 crore to ₹708 crore, mainly due to lower commercial earnings. The corporation has also explored bus-wrap advertisements and leasing commercial spaces to improve its financial position.