Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has initiated major design upgrades for its public bus fleet, with a strong focus on passenger comfort, particularly for women. This development comes at a time when daily ridership has significantly risen under the state-run Shakti scheme, which allows free travel for women on non-premium services.
According to officials, Bengaluru’s public buses are undergoing both design and operational evaluations following increasing concerns from commuters over safety and accessibility. At the core of these changes is a directive issued to bus manufacturers to make immediate modifications to the interior layout of vehicles, especially grab handles, which are critical for safety during standing commutes. Currently, thousands of passengers in Bengaluru rely on support poles near the seats due to inaccessible or awkwardly placed grab handles. This poses a daily challenge, particularly for shorter individuals and those travelling with bags during peak hours. Given that over 23 lakh of the city’s daily 40 lakh BMTC passengers are women, improving comfort and balance in packed buses has become a pressing priority.
In response, major bus makers, including Tata Motors and Switch Mobility, have been instructed to redesign grab handles and improve interior ergonomics. These changes are expected to help reduce injuries, offer better support during jerky bus movements, and make daily public transport safer for all. In addition to design improvements, BMTC has announced its ongoing transition to ultra low-floor electric and BS-VI buses, which are easier to board for women, children, and the elderly. These buses are part of a wider push towards inclusive and climate-resilient public mobility systems for the city. The new fleet is also equipped with pneumatic doors featuring external control buttons, allowing easier boarding at overcrowded stops—a measure intended to reduce boarding delays and accidents.
The shift towards electric buses is also part of Bengaluru’s broader climate commitments. However, the rollout has not been without hiccups. Commuters have flagged issues with outsourced drivers operating electric buses. Sudden braking and inconsistent driving behaviour have raised fresh safety concerns. Experts suggest the outsourcing model should be revisited, urging the state to ensure that drivers undergo standardised training and meet strict safety criteria before operating BMTC vehicles. Meanwhile, efforts are also underway to modernise BMTC’s grievance redressal systems. The current process, largely app-based through the Namma BMTC application, includes features like an SOS button and control room integration. However, officials admit these services are not swift enough during emergencies. Proposals are being explored to launch a faster and more responsive interface—possibly a WhatsApp-integrated chatbot or AI-driven feedback platform—to serve passengers, especially women, more effectively.
Security enhancements in city buses have seen major investments. More than 5,000 buses are now fitted with CCTV cameras aimed at deterring harassment and enabling quick action when incidents occur. All newly added buses—whether electric or diesel-powered—now come pre-installed with surveillance systems. These improvements are part of a wider effort to provide a secure and comfortable environment for Bengaluru’s growing number of public transport users. Despite these technological advancements, BMTC continues to grapple with legacy issues that hamper the commuter experience. Infrastructure around the transit ecosystem remains inadequate. Of the nearly 9,000 bus shelters in the city, just 1,400 are electrified. Poor lighting and substandard shelter conditions expose passengers to safety risks, especially during evening hours. These shelters fall under the jurisdiction of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which has publicly committed to ramping up electrification and upgrades. However, the pace of improvement remains slow.
Adding to the commuters’ woes is the irregular stopping of buses. Numerous complaints have emerged of buses either skipping designated stops or halting away from the official bay, forcing passengers to board from unsafe locations, particularly along busy stretches of roads. BMTC also faces challenges within its own managed properties. Key traffic and transit management centres (TTMCs), once designed as hubs with basic passenger amenities, now suffer from neglect. At Shantinagar TTMC, for instance, waiting lounges and toilet facilities meant for airport-bound travellers have fallen into disrepair. With no maintenance over the years, these spaces are practically unusable, leaving passengers stranded without access to clean or safe resting areas.
Urban mobility experts argue that while technology can enhance safety and accessibility, the state must also invest in soft infrastructure like public convenience, professional driver conduct, and station maintenance. The success of any inclusive mobility plan rests not only on smart buses but also on reliable last-mile support, seamless ticketing, and human-centric service delivery. As Bengaluru attempts to transform its public transport into a more inclusive and eco-conscious system, challenges remain layered across policy, practice, and implementation. While design upgrades and safety enhancements are welcome steps, the true impact will be measured by how well they address everyday commuter needs—especially those of women, children, and senior citizens who rely most on public transport.
In a city striving to cut its carbon footprint and shift away from private vehicle dependency, strengthening public transport remains the most effective and equitable path forward. Making that journey safe and accessible for all is not just an upgrade—it’s a necessity.
Also Read : Ahmedabad on alert as IMD forecasts widespread rainfall across Gujarat districts
