BMTC app lets you book tickets, cabs

The BMTC is addressing last-mile connectivity with technology: You can use its app not only to book tickets but also to hail an auto or cab. The app also allows you to hire a cycle or motorbike.

The system also aims to provide first-mile connectivity to the bus stop or depot with similar services.

"We will have a single booking with a single payment for a combination of services. These combinations will be offered in partnership with service providers already plying in the city," says V Ponnuraj, managing director, BMTC. The software is being tested and should be ready for comprehensive rides after May. The public transport corporation launched the system on a trial basis from Shantinagar bus station on Wednesday. Hailing an auto or taxi on the BMTC app means the vehicles are logged into the BMTC system. This ensures safer rides, Ponnuraj explains.  

HOW IT WORKS

A passenger books a ticket through the BMTC app or the government's Mobile One
app.  The apps provide the option of booking a cycle, motorbike or auto from the first and the last stop. The passengers make one single payment for the tickets
and the last-mile rides.

Stop between stops

Transport Minister H M Revanna recently sought better safety for lone women passengers to get off last from a bus. "During late hours, if a  woman is the last passenger on a bus, she can request a drop between two stops, which is lawfully permitted for the BMTC. There will be no deviation from the set route though,"
V PONNURAJ

Who will use it?
"This comprehensive ride  feature is bound to become popular among lady passengers, senior citizens and newcomers to the city," says Ponnuraj.

Where to drop off bikes
During the trial run, passengers are instructed by the cycle and bike rental apps about where they can drop off their vehicles after use. Once the last-mile connectivity programme is officially launched, the BMTC app will direct passengers to  drop-off locations.

Services associated with the
system currently are:
* Metro Bikes
* Rentongo
* PEDL

Coming soon

Lounges for women at major bus stations.
CCTV cameras inside 1,000 buses. Women's safety sensitisation for all BMTC staff.
SOS button on BMTC app.