Connecting the Dots to Solve Traffic Problem

The Alternative, a neo generation media platform for sustainable living had organized a panel discussion on effective transport solution for Bangalore City and how the dots can be connected to solve perenial and alarmingly increasing traffic problem of the city. The panelist comprised of reknowned people Ashwin Mahesh (Mapunity), Rohan Kini(Bums-on-Saddle), Sanjeev(Namma Railu), Das (CyBaNa).

Following were a few key points discussed during the meet:

• On surface it's traffic problem but basically it's housing problem. People are forced to stay away from their workplace for value-for-money homes.

• Real-time bus information is currently not feasible because of complex bus numbering system. At an intermediate bus-stop they may be hundreds of different route-numbers passing through and by the time you invest time to have a glance of timing of a bus to your destination, the actual bus may have already passed by :)

• Small public transport buses would be effective at localities where roads are narrow. All corporations in India are in need of small buses for optimitizing their margins. Unfortunately due to lack of synergy between bus makers and the buyers i.e. Bus transport corporation, the concept of small buses has never taken off.

• Auto is a sustainable transport and should be effectively used for last and first mile connectivity. However, auto drivers don't prefer short rides, as long rides ensure them higher revenue eventhough margins are lower. There shud be some mechanism to ensure guaranteed short rides which would create win-win proposition.

• Why no sharing auto system in Bangalore? Actually, it has been happening informally. Due to steep terrain autos in Bangalore can't carry many passengers. 

• Commuter train has taken backseat because of  inefficient management of Bangalore city station and legacy signalling system. A train in Bangalore city cannot proceed until a train in front of it crosses Cantontment station. Inefficient utilization of city station is other factor, with 10 platforms they handle the same number trains currently handled by Kacheguda(Hyderabad) station with only 3 platforms.

• Bangalore is an awesome city for cycling. The topography of the city facilities cycling throughtout the year unlike other major cities in India.

• Das who has termed the word CyBaNa (Cycle, Basssu, Nadiyadu) iterated the major factor is Prestigu problem of Big Fat Corporate Cats whose monster gas guzzaling vehicles occupy majority of road surface in the city.

[Photo courtesy: The Alternative ]