Driver shortage and operational concerns have reportedly left over 500 BMTC electric buses off Bengaluru roads, affecting daily commuters across the city
Bengaluru's public transport network is facing disruption as reports claim that over 500 BMTC electric buses remain off the roads every day due to a shortage of drivers, salary-related concerns, and operational issues involving contracting agencies. The reduced fleet has increased waiting times for passengers travelling to schools, colleges, workplaces, and other destinations.
Bengaluru: Public transport services in Bengaluru have come under pressure following reports that more than 500 electric buses operated by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) are not running daily. The reported shortage of drivers, salary-related concerns, and operational challenges involving contracting agencies have affected bus availability, resulting in longer waiting times for commuters across several parts of the city.
According to available information, BMTC currently operates around 1,760 electric buses from 15 electric bus depots across Bengaluru. However, allegations suggest that over 500 EV buses remain off the roads on a daily basis, reducing service frequency on multiple routes and disrupting regular travel for thousands of passengers.
"The reduced operation of electric buses has increased waiting time for commuters on several BMTC routes," according to concerns raised by transport workers and passengers.
BMTC EV Bus Operations Affected by Driver Shortage
The reported shortage of drivers has emerged as one of the primary reasons behind the reduced operation of BMTC's electric bus fleet. With fewer buses in service, passengers travelling to schools, colleges, offices, and commercial areas have reported delays in reaching their destinations.
Sources familiar with the operations stated that conductors who were earlier assigned to electric bus services are reportedly being transferred to other depots and deployed on different routes as the number of operational EV buses declines.
The reduction in available buses has widened service intervals across several corridors, increasing dependence on the remaining fleet during peak travel hours.
Salary Concerns Linked to Driver Availability
Transport workers' leader Jagadish alleged that contracting companies responsible for operating BMTC's electric buses are not paying drivers according to the commitments made during recruitment.
According to him, drivers are reportedly promised a monthly salary of Rs. 25,000 at the time of hiring but later receive around Rs. 20,000. He also alleged that salary payments are frequently delayed, prompting many drivers to leave their jobs while discouraging new applicants from joining.
"Drivers are leaving because salaries are reportedly lower than promised and payments are not always made on time," Jagadish alleged.
If these claims are accurate, the shortage of qualified drivers could continue to affect electric bus operations across the city.
Operational Issues and Allegations Against Contracting Agencies
Apart from salary-related concerns, transport workers have pointed to additional operational challenges affecting the electric bus fleet.
Following recent accidents involving electric buses, contracting agencies are reportedly finding it difficult to recruit experienced drivers. Industry sources suggest that increased operational responsibilities and safety concerns have reduced the availability of trained personnel for EV services.
There have also been allegations that some non-operational electric buses are being shown as operational in official records. Transport workers have further alleged that certain officials accepted bribes to facilitate such reporting. These allegations have been raised publicly but have not been independently verified, and no official confirmation has been issued by BMTC regarding these claims.
Passengers Report Delays in BMTC Services
Passengers across Bengaluru continue to report irregular bus services on several routes. Many commuters say that electric buses are arriving less frequently than before, making daily travel more difficult.
A commuter identified as Ramu said that the reduced availability of BMTC buses has increased waiting time at bus stops, affecting routine travel for office workers, students, and other passengers.
The reported decline in operational electric buses has added pressure to Bengaluru's public transport network. Commuters and transport workers have called for measures to address driver shortages, improve fleet availability, and restore regular bus services across the city.
