Passengers miffed as BMTC airport buses stop only at designated locations in Bengaluru

Previously, these buses allowed passengers to alight wherever they wanted, which was especially helpful for those carrying heavy luggage. Now, however, the buses stop only at designated bus stops, which many passengers arriving in Bengaluru find inconvenient.

Passengers traveling on Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) airport buses are miffed because the buses no longer stop at convenient locations as a request stop for them to alight.

Previously, these buses allowed passengers to alight wherever they wanted, which was especially helpful for those carrying heavy luggage. Now, however, the buses stop only at designated bus stops, which many passengers arriving in Bengaluru find inconvenient.

This has particularly affected long-term users of the service.

Prashitha Kumar, a regular passenger of BMTC’s Vayu Vajra airport buses from Bannerghatta Road for the past five years, said, “Earlier, the bus used to stop wherever I wanted to get down. I always requested the conductor to stop near my apartment, and they would comply, which made it easier for me to carry my luggage. But in the last two months, the crew has refused my requests, stating they can only stop near the bus stop,” she said.

Ms. Prashitha resides near Bilekahalli on Bannerghatta Road, and the nearest designated bus stop is about 800 meters from her apartment. “It’s very inconvenient. After a long flight, walking that distance with heavy luggage is a hassle,” she added.

Tejaswini K.H., a resident of Jayanagar and another frequent user of the BMTC airport bus, said, “The previous arrangement was far more convenient, especially when you’re carrying multiple bags. Now, I have to plan my exit and take an additional cab from the bus stop, which not only increases my expenses but also wastes time.”

Another passenger, Ravi Prasad, who lives in HSR Layout and frequently travels for work, said not giving request stops in airport buses disrupts the seamless experience passengers once enjoyed. “The bus used to drop me near my home, which was incredibly convenient, but now, I have to walk nearly a kilometer with my suitcase. I don’t understand why this change was necessary,” he said.