Historic BRT could draw high-end crowd

That the Ahmedabad Janmarg is a historic initiative for India was amplified on Saturday by the officer on special duty at the ministry of urban development, SK Lohia.

He said that the project could be characterised as the country’s first bus rapid transit system and suggested that it be calibrated to accommodate high-end services to persuade even the upwardly mobile to ride the bus. Lohia, who was visiting Ahmedabad to observe the work on the Ahmedabad Janmarg BRT, said, “It is a very good project.” He said some changes in the interior and exterior of the vehicles could be considered.

“The Ahmedabad Janmarg should include higher-class bus models like Volvo buses,” he said. “They can be an agreeable mode of rapid transport for a section of people.”
Lohia said that the BRT buses should be as comfortable and attractive as metro coaches. As for the fare structure, he said the BRT tariff should be little higher than that of the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service.

One of Lohia’s vital suggestions related to safety measures, such as settling the minimum alarm width for automated doors to avoid any accident. He also advocated the use of solar energy at BRT stands.

Lohia visited the Janmarg control room at Usmanpura, and observed the ongoing work on a BRT stretch, and even took a ride. “In my opinion, it would not be a wise decision to launch the BRT before the work is completed,” he said. “People have high expectations from BRT.”