- The KSRTC which started FlyBus service with just one bus twice a day between KIA and Mysuru on Aug.13, 2013 is now operating 11 buses with 20 trips daily
- 2.46 lakh passengers use FlyBus service in 2018-19 till January end
By Ramesh Kebbehundi
The FlyBus service between Mysuru and Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru is the most sought-after mode of transport between the two destinations. A hassle-free journey, round-the-clock safety and accurate schedule at an affordable price has all the more made the service attractive and reliable for travellers.
The FlyBus service was launched six years ago and earlier, Mysureans used to cough up anywhere between Rs.4,000 – Rs.6,000 to reach the Airport taking private taxis. Now, they just pay Rs.800 per head. In the beginning, the fare was Rs.1,000 per head and now due to popularity, the fares have come down to Rs.800.
Initially, the service faced teething troubles with fewer passengers and KSRTC struggled to achieve a break-even. Now, the service has turned out to be profitable and what more, even the commuters are happy and give a Thumbs Up!
Speaking to Star of Mysore, KSRTC Divisional Controller, Central Division, Bengaluru, A.G. Prabhakara Reddy whose Division manages the FlyBus service, said this luxury bus service is a tremendous success and has generated a lot of revenue.
The FlyBus service will be expanded to include more destinations. On the Mysuru route, we have service till Madikeri. From that Hill Town, people can have a hassle-free travel till KIA. Almost all travellers of the FlyBus have complimented us for a safe and timely travel,” he said.
The KSRTC which started FlyBus service with just one bus twice a day between KIA and Mysuru on Aug.13, 2013 is now operating 11 buses with 20 trips daily. “In the initial days, the response was very poor. However, the service picked up later gradually,” Prabhakara Reddy explained.
With direct bus connectivity between Bengaluru Airport and small towns, KSRTC has registered a sharp spike in ridership between KIA and Mysuru, Madikeri, Kundapur and Coimbatore.
According to officials, even if the occupancy is 50%, the profit per kilometre is almost double. KSRTC spends Rs.49-Rs.50 per kilometre to operate a FlyBus, while it earns a revenue of Rs.85-Rs.90 per kilometre. The buses are equipped with GPS locators that will provide real-time information on expected time of arrival.
Other features include chemical toilet, seats fitted with TV screens capable of streaming over 70 live channels and Video on Demand using WiFi. The buses have artificial leather seats with increased leg room. Passengers can also access information on flight arrivals and departures.
M.N. Umesh of Vidyaranyapuram is a regular passenger between KIA and Mysuru. “FlyBus is the best. It is cheap and safe. We can carry more luggage and travel comfortably when compared to taxis where we end up paying a minimum of Rs.4,000 per trip,” he says.
“I need not get down anywhere and the bus directly connects the KIA. Earlier, I had to book taxis online and wait for long hours at the airport. FlyBus has changed the scenario now,” he says with a smile.
The number of passengers, who use FlyBus services between KIA and Mysuru, has increased from 8,676 in 2013-14 to more than 2.46 lakh in 2018-19 (till the end January). The Transport Corporation has earned Rs.4.50 crore profit in 2017 and it may touch Rs.6 crore by the end of 2018-19 fiscal.
KSRTC officials said timings of these buses are fixed according to the departure and arrival time of popular flights. “As we are receiving an overwhelming response, particularly on Mysuru and Madikeri routes, we are planning to add two more services to Mysuru and expand to other places,” Reddy said.
The KSRTC has also planned to operate buses between Mysuru and Kannur International Airport at Kerala which began operations recently. “We are studying the route and waiting for flight stabilisation. Presently, we are running Volvo buses on Madikeri-Makutta-Kannur Road between Mysuru and Kannur,” Reddy added.
Mysuru to KIA year-wise details [Madikeri included]
Number of passengers travelled
2013-14 Aug. to Mar. 8,676
2014-15 23,603
2015-16 66,839
2016-17 1,46,912
2017-18 1,93,234
2018-19 till Jan.31 2,46,141
Two dependencies in the article. there is no GPS and no TV screens. I use the Flybus regularly. Yes its convenient and the drivers are very courteous. But i must say with such a high profit margin the maintenance of the buses can be much better. Along with just a bottle of water a fruit juice and biscuits can be provided.
I’m regular passenger of this bus, it’s very safe for women, as I travel alone any time. But I like to suggest pls add service like giving juice and biscuits with water bottle for those passenger who are coming from KIA, as my experience sometime I won’t get time to have food in KIA, and has to wait till bus stops for refreshments. Change it’s refreshment place near to Bangalore.
Congrats for flybus, for being the first airport service bus from other far cities to KIA. Exactly like in the same in European airports, From this facility, we can know neatly how Mysureans require air travel. I have two requests, one is to concentrate much more on offering alternative services to international flights (from Mysuru), specially at midnight time, so that for domestic purpose, people can rely upon the existing Mysuru airport, which is now undergoing expansion, and can operate Airbus and Boeing planes in future.
Second, I’m sorry about the idea of planning the same flybus service from Mysuru to Kannur Airport. I would request this NOT to happen, because Flybus is a service provided by the Karnataka state RTC , along with Kempegowda airport , to provide easy access to passengers from any other cities to the KIA. BIAL, not to other airports in other states. If wanted let the Kerala State RTC plan for that??!!
As mentioned by other readers, Staff of this bus is excellent, they are very polite with all even if some body is late to board bus.
But maintenance of this luxury bus has to improve a lot, lot of vibration and noise in some fleet. No GPS and screen, but coomon TV is available.
Initially there was screen behind every seat in 2014, we citizens do not have etiquette to handle it and soon it was damaged, then KSRTC removed it from entire fleet itself.
over all It is a very good initiative and service.
Excellent service!!!!! Keeep up the good work!!!!!
Excellent service!!!! Keep it up!!!!!