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HSR Layout: Move around in feeder buses relaunched today!

Will the feeder buses launched from Aug 1, 2023 succeed the third time? That’s the question being asked by everyone in HSR Layout. The success of this venture hinges on its seamless execution. Sadly, one can’t help but notice that the buses fail to adhere to their designated stops. How can people recognize them as feeder buses if the diligent conductors do not alight at each stop to enlighten the passengers? This crucial awareness campaign ought to be carried out within the initial three months. Alas, we observed these buses careening past, halting only when a lone hand waves in desperation. Such a method cannot hope to raise awareness among those unaware of the convenience these feeder buses offer, replacing the reliance on autos or weary feet. Especially for women, children, and the elderly, this service holds tremendous potential, and its realization is vital for the community’s benefit.

There are 18 bus stops in each direction, with the Agara bus stop on Outer Ring Road being the point of origin. All the bus stops are spaced approximately 500 meters apart. The buses, with route numbers HSR-FDR-1 and 1A, will run from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, with peak hours being 8:00 am to 11:30 am and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and a frequency of every 10 minutes during peak times and 15 minutes during off-peak times. The flat fare for the service is Rs 10, and the service is available for free under the Shakthi Scheme for women and girl children. Regular bus passes are also accepted, and there will be a conductor on board. As of now, UPI payments and bus tracking services are not available, and any suggestions or complaints can be directed to BMTC.

For a successful attempt at the feeder bus service in HSR Layout, we propose that the BMTC leverages the 2013 Neighbourhood Improvement Plan, which already outlines the stops where the service should operate. The essence of a feeder service lies in its comprehensive coverage of all four sides of HSR Layout: Silk Board, Mangammanapalya, Somasundrapalya, and Agara. To achieve this, we recommend utilizing the meticulously researched map provided by the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, ensuring its full potential is harnessed to benefit the community.

For complete details on the route, the various stops, and the route map, you can visit this website of DULT.

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THE LATEST ROUTE MAP: AUG 2023

THE PREVIOUS EXPERIMENT of 2020

The two 31-seater mini buses dedicated for HSR Layout.

The bus stops (orange circles) proposed by the 2013 Neighbourhood Improvement Plan by the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities can be adopted by BMTC.

The BMTC relaunched the feeder bus service on Feb 3, 2020 in HSR Layout. While the routemap is still being finetuned and finalised, the residents have welcomed the idea as they will not have to depend on private vehicles or autos for travelling within the neighbourhood. The buses will shuttle between 24th Main in Sector 1 and 5th Main in Sector 6.

THE FIRST TIME IT WAS LAUNCHED

In the quaint year of 2015, amidst the mirth and gaiety of the Open Streets event, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) extended its gracious hand to the residents of HSR Layout, offering a glimpse of the wondrous feeder service that could whisk them away to every nook and cranny of their beloved neighborhood. Little did they know that this fleeting encounter would sow the seeds for a future enterprise. Soon after, the BMTC set forth on its grand endeavor, launching the much-anticipated feeder service. Alas, the scheme’s execution proved to be an exercise in mishap and misfortune, as the route map and publicity were marred by unfortunate planning, leading the venture to a rather dismal fate.

EXPERTSPEAK

The route map of the BMTC left much room for improvisation in 2020. At the time, we had recommended that the BMTC make use of the 2013 Neighbourhood Improvement Plan of HSR Layout. Their map has all the stops where the feeder bus service should operate. What’s the point of a feeder service if it does not cover all the four sides of HSR Layout: Silk Board, Mangammanapalya, Somasundrapalya, and Agara? Therefore, this map generated after much research by the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities should be used for what it’s worth. Now when they have relaunched it, there is still room for improvement on the bus stations. We urge the BMTC to consider the route map suggested above.