Bengaluru: The dip in Volvo bus fares by 37% since the beginning of the New Year is seeing a good response from commuters in East Bengaluru.

AC buses going to Whitefield, Mahadevapura and surrounding areas are profiting from increased ridership and many of these passengers work in tech hubs.

“Daily ridership has increased by 20,000 ever since we reduced Volvo bus fares. Most of the Vajra buses, around 300, go towards the IT corridor, connecting every part of the city, like Majestic, Hebbal, Mysuru Road, South Bengaluru etc,” said a BMTC official.

Previously, the corporation's Vajra fares were exorbitant and services not as reliable, informed Pravir Bagrodia, a resident of Whitefield.

“Those who used to wait at bus stops for long or relied on two-wheelers and taxi pools have now shifted to Volvos in Whitefield. For example, a journey that used to cost Rs 74 now costs Rs 58. The dramatic reduction in fares is one good factor,” Bagrodia, a daily bus commuter, said.

However, he pointed out that it is not just the fare change, but also higher reliability that has increased patrons.

“It is too soon to comment on the direct impact of fares on ridership. However, in my opinion, of the 35 passengers sitting in a bus, at least 10 are there since the word on cheaper fares spread. There should be more improvements in the future," he said.

He along with other residents was instrumental in demanding the revival of V333P route from Kempegowda Bus Stand to Kadugodi via Varthur Kodi.

A BMTC official said that the corporation is going to wait and watch before making a decision on permanently reducing fares as another half-a-month remains for the pilot to complete.