Bangalore: Public Transportation System

If you live in Bangalore and rely on public transportation system for your daily (or occasionally) commute, then you know how horrible experience it is every time. These is a novelty in problems you face every time and there seems to be no end to your worries.

Here I share some of the most common problems I have faced with Public Transportation System (PTS) in Bangalore:

Bus Network [BMTC]
The network of buses is not sufficient to serve the ever increasing number of daily commuters. The BMTC buses are always overcrowded. Foot boarding is an offence as per BMTC rules, but you will hardly see any bus in which people are not hanging out of the door. Getting a seat is next to impossible if you board the bus midway on a route. Pickpocketing and eve-teasing is another menace in such a case.
The travel is rather slow and time consuming. The bus drivers do no drive fast, but they do drive recklessly. Sudden brakes and senseless honking is a common feature of their driving style. Overtaking from left and stopping anywhere they wish are another of their habits.

Auto-rikshaws:
They are a nightmare of an experience most of the times. Getting an auto for your destination is very difficult most of the times. Autowalas don't readily agree to go. Many a times they don't agree to use the meter and try to fix a money beforehand. In night problems get worst. Though the rules allow them to charge 1.5 time the meter post 10pm but they mostly ask for double meter. If you cant give/don't want to give, you will need to wait for long before a good fellow comes and agrees to regular rules. One also needs to be careful of cheating using modified metres and tricks.

So where is the solution?
For now there is no other option available in Bangalore. Metro project has just started and it will take at least 5-8 years to fully and properly operate in Bangalore. Only when something like Metro or local trains like mumbai comes in Bangalore, the commuter will get the option of peaceful journey. A system like that would also mean less number of private vehicles on road and that solves many other problems for Government.
But till that time poor commuter has to suffer unless the government does something radical.

In my opinion, for now we seriously need a better control over these PTSs.
BMTC has monopoly on Bangalore local bus scene. Entry of another player would surely boost the performance. As far as problems with auto go, we need a effective grievance redressal method where all the errant autowalas are properly dealt with. They can never be allowed to run the show on their own terms as it is matter of public convenience. Rules should be properly implemented and then only we can imagine a hassle free journey.