Commuters on the rise in Kochi, but not the buses

Kochi: Express Buzz has reported an article about the insufficient number of buses in the city. The article explains that

Though the authorities are planning more programmes to encourage people to use public transport, inadequate number of buses to meet the demand will play a major hurdle in the success of these campaigns, says a recent study by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR).

“Although there has been a five percent increase in the population from the previous decade, the number of buses available for public transport remains almost the same,” the it said.

According to the study, in the year 1993, when the approximate population of Kochi was estimated at 5,72,560, there were 70 KSRTC buses and 630 private buses operating in the city limits.

The population of Kochi in 2011 is estimated at 6,18,348. Though the number of KSRTC buses has increased to 168, the number of private buses have been reduced to 530, taking the total number of buses plying through the city to 698.

In 2009, a proposal was sent from the RTO office, Kakkanad, and another proposal from the Thiruvanathpuram Transport Commission Office to the State Government, seeking an increase in the number of buses.
However, no progress is stated to have taken place, it said.

The study also says that Route Rationalisation has never happened till date. Route Rationalisation is a study to understand traffic demands, the inflow and outflow in the number of commuters and related details. It helps give a clear insight into public transport services, as required at each corner.

“The GPS system in the low-floor ac buses is yet to be activated. This facility helps GPS or GPRS-enabled mobile phone users to avail themselves of bus arrival timings. GPS navigation also shows commuters where they have travelled, allowing routes to be pre-programmed,” the study says.

Unless these concerns are addressed, the bus, as a medium of transport, will fail to attract the residents of Kochi, who are downcast due to hiked petrol prices and increased traffic congestion, it says.
Bus Day today

The fourth edition of the Bus Day, the concept launched to encourage the public to adopt public transport, will be observed on Wednesday.

The major highlight of the fourth edition will be the free journey offered by the authorities in the double-decker bus, for the morning trip. The morning trip will start at 8.30 am from Thoppumpady to Angamaly and will ply back to Vyttila.

There will be concession on ticket fare at the low floor AC bus that will start its operation by 8 am from Vyttila. The Indian Chamber of Commerce will offer coupons priced at Rs 5 which can be used for travelling in private buses.