Integrated transport policy must be in place in Karnataka

R Ashoka, home and transport minister for state, released a comprehensive report on recommendations made by the Global Initiative for Restructuring Environment and Management (GIREM) on Monday on the city transport network systems.

The report came in as a part of the GIREM’s campaign for developing smarter cities held during their summit in December 2010. The transport minister assured Shyam Sundar S Pani, president of GIREM that he will take a look at the recommendations and call corporates to discuss arenas for improvement.
Ashwin Mahesh, advisor to government on transport, Bhaskar Rao, state transport commissioner, GIREM, Outer Ring Road Companies Association (ORRCA), Electronics City Industries’ Association (ELCIA) and Whitefield Export Promotion Park Industrial Association (WEPPIA) sent their ideas on how traffic can be eased out on city roads and public transport can be accessible at every 500m.

The first recommendation made is to have policies for integrated urban transport. Others included enforcing traffic rules and having cycle tracks in places where the traffic is low density , alongside two- and four-wheeler lanes. The transport authorities should also begin charging a peak-hour user fee on high density roads, connecting business districts. Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation is also recommended to add more buses to connect business districts and metro stations.
    r_aparajita@dnaindia.net