One-and-a-half years since it launched electric-buses in the city to promote ‘green and sustainable mobility,’ the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) says that after initial hiccups, the new services are paying dividends in terms of patronage. On average, 3 lakh commuters travel daily in the 390 e-buses running in the city. The patronage for these buses is 5-10% higher than other ordinary bus services in the city.
A senior BMTC official mentioned that factors such as novelty, comfort, and eco-friendliness may be the reasons behind increased patronage for these buses. Every day, the buses cover a total of 80,000 km, with the earnings per kilometre being Rs 50, which is Rs 5 higher than that of ordinary services.
The corporation launched its first e-bus service in December 2021 by utilizing funds under the Bengaluru Smart City Project, introducing 90 buses. In August 2022, it further added 300 more e-buses under the FAME-2 scheme. These buses operate on 18 routes and also connect several Metro stations.
Introducing e-buses was initially a challenge for BMTC as electric vehicles are an evolving technology. For the first time, BMTC introduced the services by striking Gross Cost Contract (GCC) agreements with private operators. Under the GCC model, BMTC pays the operator the agreed-upon operational cost. The operator utilizes the subsidy amount, employs the required number of drivers, and covers the expenditure involved in maintaining the buses during the lease period, the official explained.
BMTC pays Rs 51 per km as operational cost for the 9-metre buses included under the Smart City Project and Rs 48 per km for the 12-metre buses operated under FAME-2.
Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy stated that in the future, diesel buses will be gradually phased out, contributing to reducing pollution and providing comfortable travel for the people of Bengaluru. The corporation plans to add 921 more e-buses under the Centre’s FAME II scheme, which will bring the total number of e-buses with BMTC to 1,311.
