BMTC banks on bus wrap ads, new driver schedules to keep Bengaluru moving

From full-wrap advertisements to revised duty hours, BMTC adopts commercial strategies and safety measures to offset revenue gaps and reduce driver fatigue.

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), grappling with slowing ridership and stiff competition from metro and ride-hailing apps, is turning to innovative revenue and safety measures to stay on track.

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In 2024–25 alone, BMTC earned ₹25.15 crore from full-wrap advertisements on 3,000 regular buses and 400 Volvos, creating a visible moving canvas for brands across Bengaluru’s bustling streets. Each regular bus ad fetches ₹12,616 per month, while premium Volvo buses bring in double that figure at ₹25,255. Together, ad campaigns now generate an average of ₹4.64 crore monthly, helping BMTC cover salaries, fuel, and maintenance costs amid an annual expense of ₹83.50 crore.

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Officials argue that while some commuters complain about bus identification issues due to full wraps, this reflects a global trend where public transport taps into advertising to fund operations and cut reliance on fluctuating passenger numbers. “This is not the first time the bus corporation has gone for full-wrap advertisements. It was there earlier too for AC buses and has now been extended to non-AC buses,” said Chief Traffic Manager GT Prabhakar Reddy.

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At the same time, BMTC has moved to address driver welfare after unions raised concerns that drivers were being forced to work 10–12 hour shifts, often leading to fatigue, stress, and accidents. Responding to this, BMTC has now capped bus trips, reduced duty hours, and launched training programmes to prevent mishaps. Officials hope this change will ease pressure on staff and improve passenger safety in a city already battling congestion and construction delays.

By combining commercial innovation with employee welfare, BMTC is attempting to strike a balance—keeping Bengaluru’s wheels turning while adapting to modern urban challenges.

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