Circular bus service
When city dwellers are grappling with relentless traffic jams, Dhaka South City Corporation has formed a committee headed by the mayor to oversee the operation of a circular bus service in Azimpur and Dhanmondi. Reportedly, 20 air-conditioned buses will be operating in areas which remain virtually gridlocked at several times of the day.
The idea that buses will ease jams emanates from the belief that once people get reliable public transport, many will decide to leave their cars at home. This works in most first world cities where professionals use public transport during the week and only drive at weekends. With the current situation of traffic bordering on the unpredictable, strategic planning is the only way to tackle the flow of daily traffic.
Circular buses will only provide a lasting solution when they maintain a time schedule. However, a separate bus lane is essential which cannot be used by any other vehicle within a stipulated time frame. In most megacities, buses have separate lines and this ensures the fast movement of vehicles. Dhaka urgently needs such a lane which can also be marked with a divider. Since the work of the metro-rail is underway, carving out a separate lane may be difficult. While introducing public transport is laudable, its about time other healthier alternatives of commuting within the city are explored.
In several European cities, bicycle usage has seen a phenomenal rise and in Dhaka, the cycles can be encouraged in the by lanes. For cycles to become a major mode of transport, a change in outlook is essential because still today, a bicycle is deemed a vehicle suitable only for teenagers. Such firmly placed misconceptions need to be debunked with examples of government officials in Western nations using the bicycle as the main transport. From another angle, within city residents there is an aversion towards walking, which is contributing to traffic jams plus alarmingly rising obesity. For a distance of a few kilometres residents of the city, especially in jam prone areas, people should simply walk which will save time and also do wonders for health.
The new buses are welcome and hopefully, some of these will solely be for women who often face difficulties plus other inconvenience in finding the right public transport. The city municipality authority has so far concentrated on motor vehicle based solutions though non-motor concepts can be tried with help from countries which have had success with cycles, mini scooters, electric bikes and other innovative modes of transport.
