While the much awaited metro is taking shape, we could do with improving the existing public transport facilities. Here are some practical suggestions:
Buses : Put more buses on the roads. One every five-ten minutes on all the routes! These buses could have vending machines with fares calibrated in rupees to avoid the problem of small change, say Rs. 5 for the first kilometer and so on.
The buses must be comfortable and ensure a safe and hassle-free ride. In Chandigarh, every bus- ride costs just a minimal amount.
The boarding platform/step must be just half feet above ground level, so that senior citizens could easily board and disembark.
Access for physically challenged persons should be ensured with a ramp which automatically opens and closes, at stops. Designs of buses run abroad could provide invaluable inputs. Experts could be roped in to explore options for a better riding experience.
Provide more seating space. At present one has to climb a step or two to sit on seats at the front and rear, which should be done away with.
The hand rails could be at a lower level so that one doesn’t need to stretch the arm too much to hang on.
The seats must be ergonomically designed and enough space should exist between any two rows of seats to avoid inconvenience.
Shelves could be provided as in long-distance buses, for keeping small luggage items.
Fire extinguishers must be provided, preferably two each in the front and rear portions of the buses.
Have separate buses for school-going children during school timings.
Double-decker buses could be re-introduced to cope with the rush.
The bus drivers and conductors should be given training in customer service.
A seat must be reserved for the conductor.
Conveyor-belt like strips on the straight roads could be provided to ferry passengers. These strips will be solar-powered and have small coaches like trams, with stops after every kilometer.
Auto-rickshaws: The tariffs must be strictly adhered to. Any driver who charges arbitrarily must lose his license after a complaint from an aggrieved passenger.
Six-seaters: could be introduced on main roads too. Only, it should be ensured that there is no over-crowding and speeding.
Parking: Have designated areas and strictly implement disciplined parking, with fines.
Shift hawkers and encroachments from footpaths and streets to hawkers’ zones. Hawkers shouldn’t be allowed to park their tempos near the footpaths where they vend their wares, as double parking is encouraged; which causes traffic jams and accidents.
Pedestrians rights: Footpaths must be free from encroachments of any kind, smooth and evenly laid out and maintained properly.
Maintenance of roads: Ensure smooth roads with zebra-crossings and access for the physically challenged.
Speed-breakers must be properly constructed.
Create awareness campaigns: The citizens must be sensitized to - the importance of discipline and courteous behavior while riding/driving, wearing helmets, sticking scrupulously to traffic rules and benefits of pooling rides.
Provide tax rebates/incentives for using public transport.
Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan
Thanks. Have a nice day!
