NEW DELHI: Bangalore shows the way for major Indian cities, which are struggling to popularize

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For instance, the

(BMTC) that raked the maximum profit of Rs 50 crore among all state transport undertakings has popularized the use of buses by introducing “Bus Day” on the 4th of every month on a dozen of crucial corridors. On these days, people don’t use their cars or two-wheelers on these stretches, and bus frequencies are increased to cater to the requirements.

No wonder, the BMTC bagged the best STU award in the profit-making category at the annual convention of the Association of State Road Transport Undertakings that was held here on Monday.

BMTC officials said that the Corporation started making profit in 2000, when it was in the green by Rs 15 crore, and the figure steadily rose to Rs 224 crore in 2006-07. “Since then the profit margin has come down from Rs 140 crore in 2007-08 to Rs 50.3 crore during the last financial year. Over the years, we have shifted our focus to provide better facilities and create better infrastructure,” said a senior BMTC official. He added that the Corporation also took the lead in introducing air-conditioned (AC) bus services in a city.

Joint secretary (road and transport) in the highways ministry told TOI that the public transport system in Bangalore has set a benchmark for other cities. “In the mofussil category, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) initiative should be replicated by states,” he added. The KSRTC made a maximum profit of Rs 62 crore in 2010-11.

The BMTC had launched the first Bus Day last February on two corridors leading to ITPL and Electronic City to incentivize IT employees for using public transport and since then has added 10-odd corridors. “In case, 4th of a particular month is a public holiday, the Bus Day is observed on the next day,” an official said.

He added that the corridors were selected considering the concentration of IT parks and residential areas. These corridors see huge traffic and congestion mainly due to private vehicles.

“Environmental studies have also shown that there is a significant fall in the pollutant level on Bus Days compared to any other normal day,” said the official.

The Karnataka Pollution Control Board (KPCB), while monitoring ambient air quality between February and August, had recorded a significant difference in air quality before and on the Bus Day. For example, on the first Bus Day in February, the respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) at Marathalli Bridge was 14.63% less than the previous day. Similarly in July, it was 15.2% less at Kadirenahalli Cross.

There was also significant dip in ozone pollutant at some of the key locations: It was 17.47% less at Central Silk Board in May, and at Corporation Junction there was a 23.2% dip in August.