BMTC has introduced 10 new Vajra buses between Attibele and Hoskote, marking the first time fully air-conditioned buses have been deployed on this route. Previously, only ordinary buses were operational. The route for these Vajra buses includes stops at Indlabele, Bidaraguppe, Medahalli, Billapura, Sarjapur, Somapura, Yemare, Dommasandra, Heggondahalli, Gunjur, Varthur, Varthur Kodi, Whitefield Post Office, Hope Farm, Kadugodi, Belathur, Seegehalli, Kaji Sonnenahalli, Hoskote Kodi, and Hoskote High School.
Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy inaugurated the new buses on Sunday, emphasizing their benefit for employees residing in the outskirts of Bengaluru who commute to the city daily. Additionally, the buses are expected to facilitate travel for individuals commuting to central and south Bengaluru from Hoskote, connecting them to the newly launched purple line metro.
Starting January 1, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is set to raise the rates for daily and monthly passes of the air-conditioned Vajra buses in Bengaluru, as reported by The Times of India.
The current cost of the daily Vajra pass, priced at Rs 100, will see an increase to Rs 120. Similarly, the monthly Vajra pass will be revised to Rs 1,800 from the existing Rs 1,500. These rates also include a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Officials have indicated that there will be an increase in the fares for long-distance Vajra travel as well. Specifically, the ticket rate to Magadi will rise by Rs 10, while Anekal and Doddaballapur routes will experience a hike of Rs 5. Importantly, there will be no alteration in the fares for non-AC and Vayu Vajra buses.
The introduction of the new BMLTA Bill follows closely on the heels of the Karnataka assembly’s recent approval. This legislation, known as the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA) Bill, focuses on the comprehensive regulation of urban mobility. It aims to integrate all public transportation services in Bengaluru, overseeing development, operation, maintenance, monitoring, and supervision.
Presently, specific entities manage various aspects of transportation services in the city. The BMTC is responsible for bus services, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) oversees the metros, while the Karnataka Transport Department and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike manage intra-city travel.
The bus frequency is tailored to the peak-hour traffic of the IT capital, ensuring availability every 15-20 minutes during peak hours and extending to 40-45 minutes during non-peak hours. Notably, Vajra buses have gained popularity among commuters in Bengaluru due to their comfort and reasonable fares, prompting calls for an expansion of the service, particularly on routes to Kempegowda International Airport.