Bengaluru’s Bus Crisis: A Public Transport System Struggling to Keep Pace with Growth
Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s Silicon Valley, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. However, this rapid growth has brought along significant challenges, especially in public transportation. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), responsible for providing bus services, has failed to scale its operations in tandem with the city’s surging population and expanding geographic area. For most residents, buses remain the primary mode of transportation. Yet, the lack of investment and planning has resulted in overcrowded buses, poor service quality, and extended waiting times at bus stops. These shortcomings have not only inconvenienced commuters but also driven a shift toward private vehicle ownership, further exacerbating traffic congestion and environmental degradation. The gravity of the situation lies in the numbers: while Bengaluru’s population has more than tripled since 1991, the BMTC’s fleet size has increased marginally in compariso...