Bus Rapid Transit System has at last got a blueprint for its first two corridors. Speak Up finds out if it can change the way we travel in the city.
BRTS can be executed with minimum funds
This is not right that the present government is not considering the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) project seriously. Not giving adequate importance to BRTS means they are not considering the common man of the city. There are various factors which make BRTS a better option in the city. First of all, it is very cost effective.
The cost of BRTS will be one-tenth of other projects like metro or monorail. Secondly the daily transportation of people will far greater. At least a million commuters will benefit through BRTS everyday.
Thirdly it can be completed with minimum funds. While projects like metro, monorail or other proposed sea links are likely to cost more, BRTS can be executed in a maximum three years.
Rishi Aggarwal, environmentalist
Can certainly answer our woes
If we wish to reduce the peak period crush load in suburban railway significantly, quickly and economically, thereby averting the high casualty figure of 4,000 persons per year, there is no alternative but to implement BRTS. International experience tells us that the average speed of BRTS vehicles has been between 28 to 40 kmph, far in excess of the current average of 10 to 12 kmph.
Dedicated lanes of the BRTS also provide carriageway to emergency services. Bogota has achieved a capacity of 45,000 pphpd while Istanbul is running Mercedes buses every 26 seconds, giving a capacity of 20,000 pphpd. Based on individual bus capacities, running frequency and facility to skip bus stops, the capacity of the route can be altered to meet the demand. Mumbai's requirement of additional capacity of public transport is about 2,00,000 pph. Two routes of 45,000 pphpd and three of 36,000 pphpd will suffice to meet the requirement. Between MMRDA, BMC and BEST, currently the planning skills for BRTS are only with the state agency.
Any shift away from MMRDA will mean a delay due to capacity building in BMC and BEST even if a consultant has to work on the job. It is unfortunate that the state agency has decided to work only on big ticket projects, which are not only more than 20 times the cost of BRTS, but they do not cater to the capacities required, while at the same time their execution timeframe is extremely long. State agency is misleading government's political functionaries and bureaucrats by concentrating on big projects.
Sudhir Badami, transport analyst
All projects are equally important
City roads are definitely under pressure and Mumbai needs fast, easily accessible and cheap transport system. I think the plan to have dedicated lanes for BRTS is a good move. MMRDA’s decision to back out from it to concentrate on other projects is in bad taste. They should give equal importance to all their projects. Anyway, I think BRTS can be implemented easily, and it is cheaper than other projects and will benefit a large population.
Karla Kevin, student
There is never dearth of resources
On paper, the idea looks good. But with narrow roads and bad traffic discipline, I’m not sure how it is this going to work. Mumbai roads don’t have enough space to have separate corridors for BRTS. The initiative is brilliant, but it needs to be implemented well. BEST’s claim that they don’t have enough money is ridiculous. These are just excuses since the authorities can always raise funds. We need better road transport system.
Mihir Unadkat, investment banker
It can benefit lakhs of commuters
Mumbai has good service when it comes to public transport. However, traffic problems still continue. With the increase in vehicular traffic on roads, it has lead to slow commute. Therefore, we need BRTS and dedicated lanes for them. It is a big project as it will benefit thousands of daily commuters. Therefore, it may not be possible to completely dissociate MMRDA with something like this. It might need their guidance and financial support.
Trupti Indulkar, management trainee
Assign top priority to infra projects
Unlike other cities, Mumbaikars follow traffic rules. Therefore, I’m sure that it will do wonders if a dedicated lane for BRTS buses is opened. As for MMRDA and BEST, as a common person we don’t know what is going on between the authorities. I think everything should be on priority list, if it makes lives of thousands of commuters easier. Although, if the authorities are still apprehensive about the project, then they must have their reasons.
Rachit Vats, media professional
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