SHOULD BANGALORE HAVE A WEEKLY NO-CAR DAY?

SHOULD BANGALORE HAVE A WEEKLY NO-CAR DAY?
No-car day is a temporary solution Readers Feel That Public Transportation System Should Be Improved

Possible only with people’s cooperation
The system will be highly encouraging and a wonderful gesture. Few decades back, our former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri appealed to the nation to fast for a day. Leave alone whether we practise it or not, but many of us have forgotten such golden practices. Lack of conscience is the biggest tragedy in our system. As the Chinese proverb says ‘God cannot help those who do not see opportunity’. I JAGADEESH KALMATH
It’s a very good idea and anybody who owns a car should lay-off once a week. I N R RAO
No-car day is innovative thought. It will really help in reducing traffic congestion to some extent, especially in Bangalore where one feels the heat of traffic. But it’s success depends upon the will, understanding and co-operation from the users. I INAMDAR RAMACHANDRA
Implement for autos, buses, bikes too
To observe a no-car day in certain areas is a good concept as it will keep a check on traffic congestion. But instead of cars, it is better if the rule involves autos and BMTC buses which are supposed to be the main culprits of Bangalore’s traffic condition. Secondly, one cannot stop car owners from entering a particular street. But one can change the direction of BMTC routes and autos. I RAJESH M A
I prefer a no-motorbike day rather than no-car day. I’ve seen wide roads during auto and lorry strikes. I M N KESARI
Not only a no-car day but there should also be no-auto day alternatively, which can save the black gold which costs Rs 4,500 a barrel. Such a system will also reduce air as well as noise pollution. Double-decker buses must be introduced by BMTC wherever feasible. I R GURURAO
No-car day will not help
No, this won’t help in any way. Not only cars, but none of the vehicles can be stopped on any one day. It will be a dream come true if we have a weekly no-car day. The probability is remote unless we declare a five-day working system like in Western and European nations, where every one loves to go on a weekend outing. Culturally, we Indians are not tuned to leisure. We can, however, have a day’s leisure or day’s outing or shopping, if a no-car day is declared. I A S RAJ
Weekly no-car day is not a solution permanently. It is only a one-day solution. I VIMALA KESARI
In the current traffic scenario, a day’s break will only provide a temporary relief. Emergency situations should also be kept in mind. If the public transport system is improved or Mono Rail is introduced, traffic woes will certainly get reduced. I P A SUKUMARAN
No doubt, the idea is good and definitely useful in all angles. However, on that day, we will be under the mercy of our ruthless and arrogant auto drivers to travel within the city limits. Till our public transport system improves, using our own vehicles cannot be avoided. Our auto drivers are waiting for such opportunities and exploit people. Police do not have any control on auto drivers due to their own reasons. Hence, it is better to think about these problems before implementing the proposal. I M B VENKATESH
Say no to new car
Weekly no-car day is an excellent idea. Instead of having a weekly no-car day, on a particular day for the entire city it should be staggered and should be on different days for different areas. For this, areas which are prone to frequent traffic jams and bottlenecks should be identified. No car days should essentially be on a week day. Also, improve public transportation system so that more and more people are encouraged to travel by buses. For these ideas to be successful, the citizens must cooperate with the government. Hence, the idea of a no-car day will meet with better success when citizens learn to say no to a new car. I USHA G RAO
Bangalore can have a no-car day every week, but for that, we need other good transportation facilities which are lacking. Once that is taken care of we can think of a no-car day. I SHIVANGI
Should act according to the needs
This is not a very feasible idea. If one has to attend a social function or rush to a hospital with 5-6 people at a time, one would rather prefer to travel by car than use public transport. I MEGHNA C KOTHARI