The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has expanded its airport bus services from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport. With approximately 11,000 people already utilising the buses from Terminal 1, this move aims to meet the increasing demand for reliable transportation options from the airport.
The BMTC’s official Twitter handle announced the launch of the service. “Hello Commuters, Yes, you heard it Right! Now we are operating the buses from Terminal 2 also. For a safe, comfortable and affordable journey opt BMTC services. Bringing our service to your doorsteps,” read the tweet.
“We are currently operating 50-60 trips per day on a trial-demand basis at T2. As passengers are increasing in T2, we are planning to increase more trips via T2. We have deployed our staff to monitor the demand at each terminal. Buses running from T1 will be extended to T2. The buses will run trips to drop passengers from both terminals from the airport to the city,” said a senior BMTC official.
BMTC officials also mentioned that currently, they are running 125 schedules, and 500 trips are operating to the airport. However, now officials are introducing exclusive trips for T2. All the buses running from Terminal 1 will be extended to Terminal 2 as well. The services were started at the launch of Terminal 2; however, the ridership levels are picking up now. Daily, around 250-300 people travel through the airport Vayu Vajra buses.
Bus activists say that efforts must be made to increase the ridership levels of trips from the city to the airport. “With so much fanfare Terminal 2 was inaugurated, and in the same manner, bus services are also going to be a great relief to flyers. More riders tend to take Vayu Vajra bus services from the airport rather than to the airport.
BLR Pulse offers real-time updates on various passenger processing touchpoints, including entry gates, check-in counters and security check areas, while delivering flight status updates directly to passengers’ mobile or email inboxes. In addition, the ‘WayFinder’ feature allows passengers to find their way through the Airport easily. Passengers can book a transit hotel for their short-term stay or complete their last-minute flight check-ins.
People tend to believe that bus services are unreliable and hence cannot be availed during rush hours. But I feel they are quite frequent, and with the train services to the airport cancelled, more people should be encouraged to take the bus.Vayu Vajra is also useful for making inter-city travel at a reasonable cost. Additionally, the Vayu Vajra Pass must be promoted as it allows commuters to travel in all buses across the city,” said Srinivas Alavilli, a bus activist.
BMTC runs 12 monthly passes and the Vayu Vajra Gold pass allows for unlimited travel in all services of BMTC (in all toll roads by paying toll fee except Navayuga Toll). Passengers can avail of bus passes at INR 3,570.
