Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has created a Whatsapp group for the passengers who commute via KIAS 15. With this new activity, BMTC wants to connect with the passengers. This WhatsApp group is a pilot project which will be operated currently only for the newly introduced KIAS 15 route to the airport.
Depot Manager To Post All Updates
According to BMTC, the depot manager will post all the route information, contact numbers of conductors and drivers, bus timings regularly on the group. The information will be accessible to those who are traveling on that particular route. The software also allows commuters to put across their queries such as asking for the reason behind a delay if any and more. Also, BMTC app is also getting upgraded in the upcoming week so that it can provide more accurate real-time information to the commuters.
Depot 18 manager (Whitefield), Sathish S says, “When the service was started we tried promoting it through our social media handles, but the WhatsApp group has attracted many passengers due to the driver-conductor interaction facility. If a passenger is waiting for the bus to arrive, they can send a message on the group and we will immediately inform them about the status of the bus. Passengers can also directly call the driver or the conductor as we post the contact numbers of the ones on duty. There are no other buses on the KIAS 15 route at present and that is why this has become quite popular.”
Updates To Be Posted Immediately
According to Sathish, an update is posted on the WhatsApp group as soon as the bus leaves the depot. He adds further, “Since there isn’t heavy traffic on this route, the buses tend to reach on time. Sometimes there might be a deviation of 5-10 minutes.”
KIAS 15 introduced from Vydehi TTMC to the airport on February 18 travels through places that include Shantiniketan (Big Bazar), Kadugodi, Hope Farm, ITPL, Katamnallur gate, Seegehalli, Thirumenahalli, and Budigere.
Started on June 19, the group has been instrumental in increasing the ridership of Route 15. At present four buses run on this route making four round trips each daily. BMTC has also said that Depot 18 officials are planning to come up with WhatsApp group for both KIAS 6 and KIAS 4 soon.
