Big 10 and Kendra Saarige

I had an opportunity to experience the Big-10 and HoHo aka kendra sarige buses that are supposed to make it easy getting around the down town areas of Bangalore.

Boarded a Big-10 on Bannerghatta Road near Meenakshi Temple. Being early, the bus was not really full, managed to sit after couple of stops. But it was nearly empty when we reached Brigade Road. I took a daily pass since I was planning to hop around a bit. I for one don't like the "Big10" name or brand - it doesn't really convey anything to the commuter except that it will reach Brigade Road or Corporation circle depending upon where you board. A route number would have been more appropriate for the common public who are pretty used to the number system.

Waited at a HoHo stop for a while but then decided to board a normal bus to reach my destination near Trinity Circle. Walked around a bit on the way back and couldn't figure out if there was a HoHo around - Hop on Hop out makes more sense than Big10 - then the rain gods opened up when I hopped on to a mall till the rains subsided. Did some shopping around Brigade road before I came back by Big10. Not sure if the frequency was good or my timing was good, I didn't have to wait long before I got onto one of them. Again, you have to read or ask to know where the bus was headed for.

So Big10 seems a good mode of transport to visit places around Brigade Road and MG road from Bannerghatta side and if you are ok with a bit of walk, you can get around a bit with a day pass. But no idea about HoHo - may be I need to get more information about it next time. But I am coming to believe that the move to introduce air-conditioned volvo buses to BMTC fleet was not a good move from a business perspective. They should have spent that money on Suvarna or Big10 where people can travel with their day passes. It appears that the Volvo is making a big dent to their income though they remain one of the few state run bus corporations that make money.