Bengaluru: MyBMTC app a hit; Kannada version soon

BENGALURU: The MyBMTC app, developed and maintained by teenager Nihar Thakkar along with Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), is gaining traction among users.
BMTC officials said the app which was earlier available only for Android users is now on the Apple platform too. It has more than 80,000 users on Android and the transport utility is planning a Kannada version by April.

“Move over Ola & Uber the super cool BMTC app is here & working like a charm! today it delivered big time.I had to decide auto or bus - looked up the app - it said bus arriving in 2 minutes & boom! it did! Please spread the word about MyBMTC app! Kudos to BMTC (sic),” tweeted Srinivas Alavilli, a public transport activist. His tweet went viral with more than 2,400 likes and 870 re-tweets.
“The app was recently upgraded with a map to view the routes and trips. There is an increase in the number of app users and we expect to touch 1 lakh in a week. I’m closely working with BMTC to improve the app” said Thakkar.
The TOI had, on July 7, 2019, published a report titled ‘BMTC shows door to teen whose bus app a hit among passengers’ highlighting how Thakkar’s app Bengaluru buses: Track BMTC buses in real time - had come in handy for several commuters since its launch till the utility blocked his access to its data service. Following the report, BMTC tied-up with him and launched ‘MyBMTC mobile app’ in December 2019.
New app to book tickets
BMTC recently floated a Rs 33-crore tender for an app with women safety features, including in-bus surveillance and passenger information system display systems at bus stops/stations under the Nirbhaya scheme. Apart from real-time information of buses, the app will help passengers book tickets. Other features include feedback, SOS/emergency option for women, fare calculator, route planner, timetable, green points collection, etc. Asked the need for two apps, an official said: “We are planning to come up with upgraded app with more features in two months. The new app will have advanced features like integration with other modes, online booking etc. The ‘MyBMTC app’ will also continue for those who want basic features.”