The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has recently reported a significant decrease in bus breakdown incidents, attributing this decline to a change in the definition of what constitutes a ‘breakdown.‘
This redefinition, which only classifies a bus as broken down if it remains immobile for more than two hours, has sparked considerable debate and scrutiny. Historically, BMTC buses were considered to have broken down if the driver detected any technical or mechanical issue, leading to passengers being immediately deboarded. However, under the new definition, breakdown incidents in 2023-24 have been recorded as only 45, translating to less than four per month. This figure stands in stark contrast to the data from the traffic police, who have issued over 30 advisories regarding bus breakdowns, complete with photographic evidence, in just the past month. These advisories indicate frequent breakdowns, including issues with newly introduced electric buses. Examining the historical data, BMTC reported over 2,000 breakdowns in 2017-18. This number reduced to between 1,000 and 2,000 in the subsequent years. The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-21 saw a further drop to 268 incidents. In the past three years, BMTC has reported fewer than 100 breakdowns annually. This decline has occurred despite BMTC operating an ageing fleet, which typically would suggest a higher incidence of mechanical failures.
Conversely, traffic police data indicates that between February and April this year, 525 city buses experienced mechanical issues. A traffic officer remarked that on average, 30-40 such incidents occur daily in Bengaluru, with city buses accounting for 30% of these. Each breakdown typically disrupts traffic for approximately 25 minutes. However, BMTC’s rapid response teams, comprising mechanics stationed at major bus stands and TTMCs, are often able to quickly address these issues on-site. Major mechanical failures, such as hydraulic system problems, still require more time and often necessitate towing to depots. BMTC officials explain that the new definition is part of a strategic move to better manage and report breakdowns.
This reclassification has prompted discussions about the accuracy and transparency of BMTC’s reporting methods. Critics argue that the new criteria mask the true frequency of breakdowns and do not reflect the daily commuter experience. Proponents, however, believe that the revised definition offers a more practical and manageable approach to dealing with mechanical issues, allowing for a clearer focus on significant disruptions.
As BMTC continues to navigate these operational challenges, the effectiveness of this new policy will be closely monitored by both officials and the public. The ongoing discourse highlights the need for a balanced approach to infrastructure management, ensuring both accurate reporting and effective service delivery for Bengaluru’s commuters.
