I know there is a lot of BMTC-bashing going on everywhere about various issues. I agree there is scope for lot improvement, but lets face it, bangalore is the one of the fastest growing cities in the world and the infrastructure is not able to keep pace with this growth.
But the very debatable BMTC volvo buses is sure to evoke a “cool..” from most of us. Ravikumar took a “cushioned ride” on one of these bmtc volvo bus and has also posted some lovely inside photos of the bus.

Shruthi also has a very interesting post on her first ride on the bus.

For people interested what is under the hood (in the rear in this case), here is the technical spec:

The Engine is a rear-mounted 7-litre, six-cylinder diesel engine with a turbocharger and an intercooler. This engine delivers an incredible 260 hp, with a maximum torque of 1100 Nm. It is fitted with disc brakes (with optional ABS, not sure if the BMTC buses has them). The riding comfort is provided by full air suspensions, which effectively compensates for irregularities in the road surface and offers a high degree of ride comfort. Stabilizers are fitted as standard on both the front and rear, minimizing the tendency to roll over. With a 6.2 m wheelbase, the B7R has a small turning radius of 10.25 meters. Tubeless tyres fitted on B7R ensures higher mileage, good road grip, wet-rolling resistance, better braking, stable driving and longer tyre life.

More details can be found at Volvo’s India site.

BMTC volvo routes and timings:

• V2 – [Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) - J P Nagar 6th Phase] – min: Rs. 12, max: Rs. 20
• V331A – [Shivajinagar - ITPL] – min: Rs. 12, max: Rs. 36
• V335E – [Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) - Kadugodi Bus Station (close to ITPL)] – min: Rs. 12, max: Rs. 48
• V356C – [Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic) - Electronic City] – min: Rs. 12, max: Rs. 36
• V500D – [Hebbal - Central Silk Board] – min: Rs. 10, max: Rs. 40

Detailed departure times can be found at http://www.bmtcinfo.com/english/volvo.htm

Updates:

1. Click the route numbers for timings on the above link.

2. See http://www.btis.in/buses.htm to see current location of buses (using MobiApps‘ enabled GPS).

I had a heated discussion on what the right strategy for garbage collection should be in bangalore with my colleagues. So I thought, I’ll throw the debate open here.

Can people get away with littering the roads with the excuse that there are no dustbins?

I agree, many public places do really need dustbins like even MG Road etc. However, being a bangalorean forever, I have seen the problems plaguing the system with dustbins only for garbage collection. I think, the current system of door to door garbage collection was a major improvement to reduce the garbage in the city.

An article on Bangalore’s own Deccan Herald with some statistics on this issue. Hoping you are not part of the 7.3 % dumping garbage on the roadside.

But, I certainly agree bengalooru has a long way to go to improve the system, may be also privatise it and bring in some global best practices. Until then, Swalpa Adjust Maad Beddi..

Do comment on this issue.