BMTC has invited tenders for an audio advertising system in 300 non-AC buses, with location-based advertisements planned alongside existing passenger announcements
Bengaluru’s BMTC plans to introduce audio advertisements in 300 non-AC buses as part of a revenue-generation initiative. The system will use GPS-based location targeting while maintaining existing passenger stop announcements.
Bengaluru: The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has invited tenders for the installation and operation of an audio advertising system in its buses, aiming to generate additional revenue beyond passenger ticket collections.
Under the first phase of the initiative, audio advertisements are proposed to be broadcast in 300 non-AC BMTC buses operating across Bengaluru. The selected agency will be responsible for supplying, installing, maintaining and operating the complete system.
The advertisements are expected to be played during bus journeys, meaning daily BMTC passengers may hear commercial messages while travelling.
BMTC Audio Advertisements Planned Across Bus Services
BMTC said the proposed system would be the first of its kind to be implemented in South India. The audio advertisements will be broadcast on regular, express and night-service buses.
Each Kannada audio advertisement will have a maximum duration of 10 seconds, while an English translation will be optional. The selected agency will pay a monthly fee for each bus covered under the arrangement.
The company selected through the tender will receive a three-year contract, with an option for extension at a later stage.
GPS-Based Ads To Avoid Passenger Announcements
BMTC plans to use its existing GPS system to enable location-based advertising. According to the plan, advertisements will be broadcast without interfering with announcements about passenger stops.
The transport corporation will reserve 10% of the total advertising broadcast time for its own announcements, public service messages and official information. BMTC also intends to expand the service to additional buses in the future.
BMTC has said it will regulate the volume, quality and language of advertisements keeping passenger convenience in mind.
However, some passengers have expressed concerns that frequent or loud advertisements could affect their travel experience, particularly during peak hours. The Times of India reported that passengers also stressed that advertisements should not interfere with announcements made at bus stops.
