Bengaluru: To make bus commute more inclusive and passenger-friendly — particularly for women — Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has directed bus manufacturers to redesign grab handles, citing accessibility and convenience issues in overcrowded buses.At present, passengers often cling to side poles near seats for support, as existing grab handles are either too high or not within easy reach. This is especially difficult for shorter passengers — both women and men — and those travelling with backpacks during peak hours. The problem has become more pressing since the rollout of the Shakti scheme, which offers free bus travel for women. Of the 40 lakh daily BMTC passengers, more than 23 lakh are women.“We’ve advised Tata Motors, Switch Mobility, and others to design grab handles that make travelling convenient for women passengers,” BMTC MD Ramachandran R said during a panel discussion on inclusive mobility at WSSTL 2025, a symposium hosted by the World Conference on Transport Research Society and Indian Institute of Science.He added that BMTC is steadily transitioning to ultra low-floor buses to improve access for women, the elderly, and children. Other measures include pneumatic doors with exterior buttons to aid boarding, especially at crowded bus stops.In a boost to safety, over 5,000 CCTV cameras have been installed inside city buses. All new electric and BS-VI buses come equipped with surveillance systems, part of a wider effort to improve security for women.However, not all changes have translated into a smoother ride. Pranathi R, a daily BMTC passenger, said: “While travelling in electric buses, I felt discomfort because the drivers applied sudden brakes. If we fail to hold the handrails, we almost get thrown out. Later, I got to know that drivers of e-buses aren’t regular employees of BMTC but outsourced staff. BMTC should ensure that drivers have adequate driving experience.“Revamping grievance redressalHighlighting the need for faster response during emergencies, Ramachandran said BMTC is exploring more effective grievance redressal systems tailored for women. “The existing response is time-consuming; there’s a need to look for a more efficient mode, maybe a WhatsApp chatbot or others,” he said.Currently, the Namma BMTC app includes an SOS button and control room access, but officials acknowledge the need for faster, tech-enabled solutions.Infra & upkeep shortcomingsBeyond the buses, BMTC is tackling broader infrastructural gaps. Of the 9,000 bus shelters in Bengaluru, only 1,400 are electrified, leaving thousands poorly lit and often unsafe at night. The shelters are managed by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which has committed to lighting up more shelters.There are also persistent issues of buses not halting at designated stops or skipping stops altogether, adding to the frustration of commuters.Ramachandran admitted that many passenger amenities, such as lounges and waiting rooms at major TTMCs (traffic and transit management centres), suffer from poor upkeep. For instance, at Shantinagar TTMC, waiting rooms and toilets were built for airport-bound passengers more than a decade ago. But poor maintenance has made them nearly unusable.
