New BMTC AC Bus On NICE Road Beats Metro On Travel Time: Schedule And Fare

Commuters travelling across Bengaluru’s western and southern corridors may soon have a faster, air-conditioned alternative to long Metro journeys. The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation is set to launch a new AC bus service on NICE Road from December 1, connecting Madavara in North Bengaluru to Electronic City in the south.

The move comes after ordinary bus services on NICE Road recorded steady passenger demand, prompting BMTC to expand the offering with AC Vajra buses for longer-distance commuters.

Madavara to Electronic City in 1 Hour 30 Minutes

According to BMTC officials, the AC bus service is expected to cover the nearly 45 km stretch between Madavara and Electronic City in around 1 hour 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

This travel time is shorter than the current Metro journey between the same points. Metro commuters must switch lines during the journey, which adds to the overall travel duration, particularly during peak hours.

BMTC clarified that the service is intended as an additional commuting option and not as a replacement for Metro services.

Why NICE Road Makes a Difference

The NICE Road corridor allows buses to bypass multiple congestion-prone stretches inside the city. By avoiding traffic-heavy arterial roads, BMTC expects smoother and more predictable travel times for long-distance commuters.

BMTC Officials said the decision to introduce AC buses on this route followed feedback from commuters, especially employees working in the Electronics City belt who travel from North and West Bengaluru on a daily basis.

The service is also expected to attract private vehicle users looking for a direct and comfortable cross-city travel option.

Faster Than Metro for Some Commuters

While BMTC has stressed that the new service does not compete with the Metro, a comparison is unavoidable. The Metro journey from Madavara to Infosys Foundation Konappana Agrahara involves changing lines between the Green Line and the Yellow Line and passing through around 37 stations.

Even during non-peak hours, this can take at least 2 hours. During peak periods, waiting times for line interchange further extend travel time.

In contrast, the AC bus offers a single-seat ride without transfers, making it a potentially attractive option for daily commuters.

Service Frequency and Daily Schedule

In the initial phase, BMTC will operate 7 Vajra AC buses on the Madavara–Electronic City route. The service will run at a frequency of one bus every 30 minutes.

Buses will operate daily from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. A total of 52 trips are planned across both directions each day.

BMTC officials said passenger response and operational performance will be monitored closely before any expansion in fleet size or service hours.

Ticket Fare and Pass Plans

The fare for the full journey between Madavara and Electronic City has been fixed at Rs 110, inclusive of NICE Road toll charges.

BMTC has also indicated that it plans to introduce monthly passes for AC bus users in the coming days. Details regarding pricing and eligibility will be announced separately.

Tickets will be available through existing BMTC ticketing systems, including onboard purchase.

The same distance on Namma Metro costs Rs 90 for single journey with token and Rs 85.50 for metro card holders. With prices this competitive, this new bus might as well succeed in poaching passengers from metro travelling this stretch.

Route Details and What Commuters Can Expect

The new service will operate under route number V NICE 10 using Vajra AC buses. The service begins on December 1.

Officials said the aim is to provide faster, comfortable and reliable connectivity for commuters who currently rely on multiple modes of transport across Bengaluru.

A New Cross-City Travel Option

For Bengaluru commuters dealing with long travel hours, the NICE Road AC bus service could offer a practical balance between Metro rail and private vehicles. Its success will depend on punctuality, traffic movement on NICE Road and sustained commuter demand.

If the service proves successful, similar AC bus corridors may be introduced on other express road networks around the city.