The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has decided to discontinue full-body advertisement wraps on its buses following widespread complaints from commuters.
Previously, nearly half of BMTC’s fleet—around 3,300 buses—were covered in large advertisements. While this generated significant revenue for the transport body, passengers reported difficulties in identifying routes and destinations due to the wraps covering essential signage.
The advertisements were bringing in several crores of rupees every month, making them a valuable source of non-fare income. However, concerns over commuter safety, visual clutter, and the overall image of public transport led authorities to reconsider the strategy.
Transport officials, along with political leaders, supported the move, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clarity and accessibility in public transportation. There were also concerns that removing the wraps could damage bus paint and increase maintenance costs.
Going forward, BMTC plans to allow advertisements only in limited sections of buses rather than full-body coverage. This approach aims to balance revenue generation with passenger convenience and safety.
The decision reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing commuter experience in Bengaluru’s public transport system. It also highlights the growing role of citizen feedback in shaping urban policies in one of India’s busiest metropolitan cities.
News as reported
