New Feeder Bus Services in Bengaluru to Improve Last-Mile Connectivity

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Bengaluru is set to see a major improvement in first- and last-mile connectivity as new feeder bus services in Bengaluru will be introduced from 15-20 metro stations within a week.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) are working together on this initiative, aiming to make public transport more efficient and accessible.

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New Feeder Bus Services in Bengaluru: Key Highlights

  • Launch Timeline: Within a week
  • Number of Metro Stations Covered: 15-20
  • Type of Buses: 9-metre-long midibuses
  • Objective: Enhance first- and last-mile connectivity for regular metro passengers
  • Current Feeder Bus Services: 208 buses covering 46 metro stations

Addressing Last-Mile Connectivity Gaps

Currently, nearly two dozen of Bengaluru’s 68 metro stations lack affordable first- and last-mile transport options. Commuters often rely on personal vehicles or expensive auto and cab rides due to irregular and inconvenient feeder buses.

While BMTC operates 208 feeder buses across 46 metro stations, ridership remains low due to service inconsistencies. The new feeder bus services in Bengaluru will address these challenges by offering targeted routes for metro passengers.

Strategic Planning for Effective Implementation

Before launching the new feeder bus services in Bengaluru, BMTC will evaluate:

  • Metro station accessibility
  • Route feasibility
  • Traffic conditions
  • Commuter travel patterns

The plan includes operating feeder buses from five metro stations each in the north, south, east, and west sections of Bengaluru.

Collaboration Between BMRCL and BMTC

OBMRCL Managing Director M Maheshwar Rao stated that the new feeder bus services in Bengaluru aim to improve metro connectivity by plugging existing last-mile gaps.

BMTC Managing Director Ramachandran R emphasized that this initiative would increase ridership for both metro and BMTC services. He also highlighted ongoing discussions regarding Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to ensure sustainable operations, as existing feeder buses currently operate at a loss.

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Operational and Infrastructure Plans

The BMTC fleet includes 600 midibuses, 90 of which are electric. The new feeder bus services in Bengaluru will use these compact, nine-metre midibuses to navigate narrow roads and improve accessibility.

With targeted routes and better connectivity, the new feeder bus services in Bengaluru are expected to enhance commuter convenience, reduce dependency on private vehicles, and improve public transport efficiency.