Bengaluru: Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is all set to give a staggering blow to the metro feeder service of Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which is already running under loss. The BMRCL has invited tender to start app-based taxi and auto service at 40 metro stations.
The BMTC had launched ‘Last mile connectivity’ feeder bus service to assist metro passengers, soon after the inauguration of the first phase of the metro. In Baiyappanahalli-Nayandahalli (purple) line 84 buses and Nagasandra-Yalachenahalli (green) line 89 feeder buses used to ply. But, because of the loss with 173 feeder bus service, the corporation cancelled 15 feeder buses in the green line.
The corporation, incurs an expense of around Rs.45 per kilometer for each feeder bus, but it earns only Rs.20 as income. Despite the losses, BMTC continued the feeder bus service, and requested financial aid from the BMRCL to balance the loss. But, BMRCL seemingly is not bothered about these issues moreover it is now all set to give an opportunity to private app-based service providers at the metro stations.
Since there is no place for BMTC buses to park at the metro stations, the feeder buses are forced to stop on the road itself and thus can’t wait for passengers. But, BMRCL has provided parking space for the app-based taxis in most of the stations. There is lack of coordination between these two government institutions.
About KIOSKS: The company which gets tender from the BMRCL, can establish kiosks inside/outside the metro stations. The corporation would give license for 2 years. The passengers may book app taxi or auto with the help of kiosks. This may attract the passengers and they may give priority to the taxis than the BMTC buses, it is estimated.
