Transport dept’s plans for better commuting

Transport dept’s plans for better commuting

The transport minister regretted that public help was not forthcoming to make the dedicated bus lane experiment a success.
Deccan Herald

Introduction of dedicated bus lanes and low-floorboard buses, besides measures to limit the number of traffic halts between any two given points are among the host of transport upgradation measures under consideration of the transport department for the City.

Transport Minister Mallikarjun Kharge, on Tuesday, told press persons that the cost-benefit ratio with respect to low-floorboard buses is being worked out.
Mr Kharge who was speaking in the backdrop of his recent visit to Brazil, Sweden and China to study the traffic systems in their prominent cities noted that low-floorboard buses, though costly, will address the needs of the physically disabled and senior citizens.

Talks are on with the Police Commissioner to see how traffic halts can be kept to the minimum in a given stretch or a distance of every kilometre. Citing the example of many traffic junctions between Cauvery Theatre and High Grounds along T Chowdiah Road - Bellary Road, he said the intention was to check if the signals in all these junctions can be made to display green or red simultaneously. It is a question of regulating the time allotted for traffic flow on the main road and on its cross roads, he explained.

Referring to experiments on dedicated bus lanes, Mr Kharge regretted that public co-operation was not very forthcoming. Observing that the introduction of new buses alone would not ease traffic congestion, he said dedicated lines may have to be introduced between the main city area and Electronic City, Bannerghatta area and others.

Speaking of Metro Rail, Mr Kharge termed it as a deeply felt need and noted that an appeal for Central assistance has been already made by Chief Minister Dharam Singh recently. It is hoped that the Metro Rail will help reduce at least 30 to 40 per cent of vehicular traffic, he said.