AAP calls for introduction of Delhi-style premium bus services in Bengaluru

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has called for the introduction of Delhi-style premium bus services in cities like Bengaluru to address traffic and pollution issues.

The move, inspired by Delhi's recently approved 'Premium Bus Aggregator Policy 2023,' is aimed at encouraging the upper middle class to embrace public transportation, according to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Jagadish V Sadam, the party's state media coordinator, believes that implementing this scheme will enhance the city's transport system, reduce traffic congestion, and combat air pollution.

Jagadish stressed that while the poor and the middle class commonly rely on buses for their daily commute, introducing premium buses akin to those in Delhi can motivate the upper middle class to make buses their preferred mode of transportation.

These modern buses would offer luxurious amenities such as air conditioning, WiFi, GPS, and CCTV, enticing many to leave their private vehicles in favor of these buses. This shift could contribute significantly to mitigating traffic problems and curbing air pollution.

Premium bus services would feature online seat reservation and payment options. Passengers would exclusively book seats through an app, resembling the booking process for airline seats.

These buses would operate with minimal stops, picking up passengers from their preferred locations, providing a more convenient and private-vehicle-like travel experience.

Jagadish also proposed that ADGP Special Commissioner MA Saleem, previously responsible for overseeing smooth traffic flow and enforcement of traffic rules in Bengaluru, should be reinstated, or a similarly efficient officer should be appointed to improve the situation.