BMTC

WhatsApp

KIAS 15 route

BMTC app

By Reya Mehrotrahas made a group for the passengers of KIAS 15, more to come soonIn order to attract more commuters, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has started connecting with its passengers throughgroups. A WhatsApp group has been created, as a pilot project, for the newly introducedto the airport. The depot manager posts route information, bus timings, contact numbers of drivers and conductors regularly on the groups, where those travelling on that particular route can access it. The commuters can also ask questions like the reason for delay, if any. Meanwhile, theis also being upgraded this week with more accurate real time information.Sathish S, Depot 18 manager (Whitefield) says, “When the service was started we tried promoting it through our social media handles, but the WhatsApp group has attracted many passengers due to the driver-conductor interaction facility. If a passenger is waiting for the bus to arrive, they can send a message on the group and we will immediately inform them about the status of the bus. Passengers can also directly call the driver or the conductor as we post the contact numbers of the ones on duty. There are no other buses on the KIAS 15 route at present and that is why this has become quite popular.” As soon as the bus leaves the depot, an update is posted on the group, adds Sathish. “Since there isn’t heavy traffic on this route, the buses tend to reach on time. Sometimes there might be a deviation of 5-10 minutes,” he says.KIAS 15 was introduced on February 18 from Vydehi TTMC to the airport. It travels through places like Shantiniketan (Big Bazar), ITPL, Hope Farm, Kadugodi, Seegehalli, Katamnallur gate, Budigere, and Thirumenahalli. The WhatsApp group was started on June 19 and has managed to increase the ridership of Route 15. It takes an hour and 15 minutes for the bus to reach from its starting point to the airport. There are four buses on this route that make four round trips each daily.Depot 18 officials also plan to start a WhatsApp group for KIAS 4 and KIAS 6 soon.