Editorial
Improving public transport
A way out of our traffic maze
Promise of improvements in the public transport sector come as good news, especially in a traffic-chaotic city such as Dhaka. The Prime Minister, while inaugurating the operation of 33 double-decker buses of state-owned BRTC purchased from India recently, has promised the import of another 100 single-decker air-conditioned buses and 500 trucks.
In a city of over 16 million, such measures will contribute to easing the suffering of commuters. Currently, while the streets are jam-packed with vehicles, commuters still have a difficult time finding transport to get around, especially at reasonable fares. Private cars are unaffordable not only for the majority of the city's dwellers, but also for the streets of the capital in terms of the traffic gridlock. Rickshaws, though environment-friendly, do not go long distances and are barred from several routes in a step to counter traffic congestion, while CNG-run auto-rickshaws are not an affordable option for many. In this situation, increasing and improving public transport that is accessible and affordable is the best solution. Increasing the number of buses will bring down the number of vehicles on the roads and thus the traffic congestion, while also reducing the level of pollution caused by them.
The PM has noted the rising standard of BRTC service and promised further enhancements to it such as the introduction of e-ticketing and pre-paid card system, measures which would regularise the service as well as help regulate fares. She has pointed to upgrading the existing railway and river communications as well as those in the pipeline. While we appreciate these measures, we hope that they will not end here. In order to manage the mobility of our population -- particularly in urban areas -- it is vital for the public transport sector to be strengthened.
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