Commute

With BMTC and KSRTC buses off the road, city commuters had a tough time today. Though BMTC said there will be adequate bus services, the scene on the ground was quite different. Nagaraj C, Chief Traffic Manager (Operations) BMTC, said, "The drivers are protesting to get their list of around 40 demands fulfilled including a hike in salary. The strike will be on for the whole day. But there are a few other drivers who are loyal and carrying on with their routine services so a few buses are functioning." Autos dominate the roads in absence of BMTC. Pic: Anisha…

 The Government has declared many cycling lanes and Jayanagar ought to be a pleaurable place for cyclists. But the reality? Ah, that's different. Lots of motorists happily use the space as "free parking", and even the police sometimes put their metal barricades here. People pile their trash in the lanes, or store construction material there.So...in actual practice...the cycling lanes are sometimes more dangerous than just keeping on the road...because one is suddenly forced into the traffic, and exposed to the hazards of the motorized traffic behind one. ⊕

After the High Court ordered the stay on signal-free corridor work in Koramangala, citizens have now formally been asked to suggest alternatives. A sub-committee, comprising six citizen representatives and a few government representatives, have been asked to submit alternate plans by August 25th.This sub-committee was formed by, and has to report to, a government-appointed committee. According to the court order, the government-appointed committee should hear concerns of citizens and submit a report to the court on September 15th. Court will then make a final decision on the project on October 5th.The first hearing of the government's committee - headed by…

On July 31st, Seema (name changed) was attacked by the driver of the auto in which she was travelling. Seema's fault was that she took a picture of the number plate of the auto so as to file a complaint against the overcharging driver. The incident occurred in front of Eva Mall in Brigade road.In the Facebook page of Bangalore Traffic Police (BTP), Seema wrote that the driver had asked for Rs 60 to travel from Eva Mall to Austin Town, while the actual fare would be around Rs 20. The incident happened at 7 pm. Soon after, she called…

It was great to see this image:  But we hope something like this will not happen:  Or something like this...!  Thanks to  Chidambaram Subrmanian for the photos and the link to the video.  ⊕

In the last few years, a large part of the city's low lying areas were affected by flash floods, due to heavy and continuous rains. The RWA members of these areas have been trying hard to get BBMP and BWSSB to fix these issues. This year practically all roads have been dug up for either laying BWSSB pipes or for new flyovers. Will BBMP re-lay the roads in time? Digging at Bismillah Nagar, near BTM Layout. Pic: Abhishek Angad BBMP has taken up desilting the Storm Water Drains (SWD) in the four valleys - Koramangala, Hebbal, Challaghatta and Vrishabhavati, to…

BMTC bus passes come in seven types targeting different groups of citizens. This chapter will give you a quick run through.1. Vajra and A/C Suvarna Daily PassVajra Gold Day Pass: Rs.90 - valid for travel on all services except Vayu Vajra & Bangalore RoundsA/c Suvarna Day Pass Rs 50 - valid for travel on all services except Vajra, Vayu Vajra and Bangalore Rounds2. Vajra monthly passVajra Monthly Gold Pass: Rs 1450 (Requires a BMTC ID Validation- BMTC ID is valid for three years and can be procured at KBS for a fee of Rs 100 and stamp size photograph, Pan…

In its March meeting, BBMP Council approved the new parking policy which would allow BBMP to collect parking fee from citizens. As per this policy, parking will be charged across the city, and parking lots will be set up in all areas. The policy aims to encourage public transport and reduce land use for parking. BBMP is now waiting for a study commissioned by state government’s DULT (Department of Urban Land Transport). This study will look at public transport and existing parking availability, identify parking demand and also areas where parking lots can be set up. DULT has commissioned the…

Many school bus drivers drive dangerously, disregarding rules and safety guidelines. It may not always be possible for  parents to accompany their child to school everyday - parents may have their own limitations. But I do not believe there is any valid reason for parents not putting their foot down against such risky transport options. Picture Courtesy – Posted in Bangalore Traffic Police Facebook Page by Sreenivas Machavaram Do these bus drivers even realise that they are putting the lives of these children in danger by jumping the median? Another big question is: Do the parents know this? The problem…

Everyday, commuters get stuck on either side of the railway gate on Sarjapur Road at Mullur, thanks to around 30 trains that pass through. Commuters taking this route curse their predicament as they have no other option. Vehicles caught in a traffic jam at Sarjapur road railway crossing. Pic: Sankar C G During peak hours, the vehicle pile up extends almost a kilometre on either side of the gate. Office commuters, school vans, BMTC buses - everyone has to queue up. Most often, it is the school buses that get stuck at peak hour. “Everyday, we get late by 30…