By Qamar ZJ
While there is much hue and cry over empty bus priority lanes (BPL) adding to the congestion on the rest of the road, one BMTC driver was found using the non-BPL lane. When one resident tweeted about it yesterday, BMTC promised to take prompt action.
Yesterday, Sreekanth M found an empty BPL and also realised the reason for it. Near the Marathahalli bridge, around 4.45pm, he found a green BMTC bus (number 500F) flouting the rule and using the non-BPL lane instead, adding to the congestion on the road.
Residents like Harsha Halasur have asked the BMTC to fine drivers who don’t take the bus lane. Madhu KR wants to know if only the BMTC will take action, or will the city traffic police also file a case against the driver?
It’s an irony indeed. BMTC is publicising on its Twitter handle that non-BMTC vehicles using the BPL will be penalised. And here we have a case where their own fleet is not using the BPL. Is there a fine for that too?
Editor Speak
Residents are complaining that the Bus Priority Lane (BPL) is not being optimally used by the BMTC as the frequency of buses is abysmal. Perhaps, it’s the pandemic that has resulted in many people working from home, resulting in fewer buses. While there is not much congestion on the Outer Ring Road due to the WFH policy, it is important for the BMTC to think through every little aspect of their BPL project and ensure that the lane is used optimally by their fleet. Public transport should be given priority to reduce congestion on the roads, but when there is no demand for the buses due to various reasons, including WFH and last-mile connectivity, the BMTC top brass should return to the drawing board and chalk up a different strategy to address the problem. Just waiting for things to get better will not do. Course corrections are the need of the hour.
