Buggy, shuttle services at Bengaluru airport: Relief on paper, but questions on the ground | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: To offset the nearly 800-metre walk to P3 and P4 parking areas under its new parking policy, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has rolled out buggy and shuttle bus services from Terminal 1. On the ground, however, passengers told TOI the arrangements remain confusing and far from seamless.While BIAL at present has four buggies and one shuttle service operational, the latter adequately meets passenger movement requirements. In addition, to enhance user experience, two high-capacity passenger vans and additional wheelchair support are being introduced.The shuttles operate from T1, pass through P3 and P4 parking, and continue to T2. However, the lack of clear signage indicating stops at P3 and P4 has left several passengers unsure whether they are boarding the right vehicle.Naomi Xi, a passenger from Nagaland who booked a Rapido vehicle on arrival at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), said she was left confused after being directed to P3/P4 parking. “Airport authorities asked me to go to P3 or P4, but I don’t know how to get there. The shuttle display only shows T2, so it’s hard to believe it will stop at the parking area,” she told TOI.A first-time flyer echoed similar concerns, saying, “I have never been to Bengaluru before. My private taxi driver is already waiting, but I am still walking around trying to figure out how to reach P3/P4, as they are not a part of the airport aggregator.”Families arriving with elderly members say the lack of clarity is particularly stressful. Jaginder Shekhawat, who arrived from Rajasthan with senior citizens, said the experience was discouraging. “We wanted the elders to experience another city, but this is a horrible way to begin. I have three senior citizens standing with walking sticks. They are now expected to walk 800 metres or wait for a buggy or shuttle. BIAL should think about passengers from other cities and older people,” he said.Even shuttle staff acknowledge the gaps. One shuttle operator said services are frequent, but information is lacking. “There is a shuttle every five minutes, and it goes between T2 and stops at P3 and P4. People don’t need to worry, but there is no board clearly displaying this. If signage was proper, there would be far less confusion,” he said.At present, three buggies are deployed — two stationed at the arrival zone to ferry passengers to P3 and P4, and one operating inside the corridor to assist those walking back towards the arrivals area. Passengers, however, say availability is inconsistent and waiting times uncertain, especially when buggies move only after they are fully occupied.Who can pick up at KIA?Only Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), Mega Cabs, Uber, Uber Black, Ola, Quick Ride, OHM Electric Cabs, and WTi Cabs are currently authorised to operate as airport-aggregated taxi services, while platforms such as Namma Yatri and Rapido are not permitted at the airport.
