Dispute Causes Mayor Pass Launch Delay; 70-80K Commuters Affected

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The launch of the much-awaited ‘Mayor Pass’ for city bus commuters in Bhopal has been delayed due to an ongoing dispute between four private bus operators and Bhopal City Link Limited (BCLL), a subsidiary of Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Announced a month ago by Mayor Malti Rai during the municipal budget meeting, the ‘Mayor Pass’ aims to provide affordable public transport, especially to students, women, senior citizens, children and the disabled. However, its implementation has been stalled as operators resist proposed fare discounts, citing continued operational losses.

Currently, 149 buses operated by one of the companies remain off roads, impacting nearly 70k to 80k commuters, 60% of whom are students. In response, the BMC had decided to resume its system of weekly, monthly, and annual passes to provide temporary financial relief.

Under the proposed ‘Mayor Pass’, students, women, children and senior citizens would receive a 50% discount, while differently-abled passengers would get 70% off on regular fares.

To address the broader issue of insufficient buses, the BMC is also planning to induct 100 electric buses, each with 32 to 40 AC seats. Route planning is underway and tenders for bus operators have been finalised which is taken up by an operator from Delhi.

However, essential infrastructure, including charging depots at Misrod and Bairagarh and appointment of a ticket collection agency is still pending. Until new buses are operational and disputes fully resolved, Bhopal's public transport system will continue to struggle with limited services, leaving thousands of daily commuters in hardship.

‘Three out of four operators agree to new terms’

BCLL Director and Mayor-in-Council member Manoj Rathor confirmed that three out of four operators have agreed to the new terms and discussions with the fourth are nearing completion.

‘If all goes according to plan, passes will be launched by the end of this month,’ Rathor told Free Press. He further said that as the electric buses arrive, the problems of less number of city buses can get resolved by the end of October or November as route plans are being made for these.