BMTC launches 'Tatkal' bus pass scheme for students

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, JUNE 19. Getting a concession pass from the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has never been easy for college students. The procedure has been simplified now with the introduction of ``Tatkal'' scheme for issuing passes.

The scheme launched by the BMTC on June 11 is being well received by students. Though colleges are yet to reopen, already more than 1,600 students have collected applications for the ``Tatkal'' pass.

The BMTC officials said applications were being issued at Kempe Gowda Bus Station (KGBS). Applications would be issued at Jayanagar and Malleswaram counters of the BMTC if there was demand for them.

Students have to collect the application by paying a processing fee of Rs. 40 and a photograph fee of Rs. 10. The value of the pass is Rs. 180 for five months, and Rs. 360 for 10 months, which can be paid either at the time of obtaining the application or while collecting the pass.

After paying the processing and photograph fees, students have to get themselves photographed at the computer centre in KGBS. The printed application form containing details and the passport size photograph would be given to students.

Students have to return the form duly attested by the heads of their respective institutions by July 6. Passes will be issued from July 6.

Mr. Kiran Kumar of BTM Layout, who has got admission for PU course in a college at Basavanagudi, hoped that the scheme would put an end to the problems faced by students in getting BMTC passes.

The scheme would help eliminate ``bogus students'' seeking bus passes, said Mr. K.V.Somashekhar, Assistant Traffic Manager, BMTC, in-charge of KGBS. Only genuine students would prefer to face the computer to get themselves photographed and provide other details, he added.

He said the BMTC had distributed more than a lakh concession passes for college students last year. The number of students seeking applications for Tatkal scheme was increasing with the colleges set to reopen shortly. Apart from ``Tatkal'' scheme, regular passes would also be issued at 22 pass counters across the City, he added.

The Chief Traffic Manager (BMTC), Mr. Dastagir Sharief, said applications were being issued in advance to avoid any delay in issuing passes. Despite the computerisation of pass counters, there was a delay in issuing passes in the past two years. Applications would be issued till June 30, he added.

Mr. Sharief said the deadline for the new scheme would not be extended as the corporation had to issue regular passes from July 7. Steps had been taken to issue ``Tatkal'' passes at the BMTC counter in Jayanagar if there was demand for them, he added.

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