[sustran] Re: fwd: Delhi public transport crisis again

[ANANT]

Delhi's problem, which other Indian metros are sure to encounter sooner
rather than later, is traceable to the low priority to maintenance that is
generally accorded to vehicles in this country.

Number of private vehicles is continuing to mount in India, under the
liberalised economic regime. Public transport corporations running buses are
invariably given lowest priority, and they operate ramshackle buses.  The
replacement schedule for buses is not adhered to, and buses eight years old
and more are found in many cities.

The question that Delhi poses is : should there be a shift away from
diesel-fuel buses to other fuels in cities heavily dependent on bus-based
mobility ?  If air quality studies indicate a need for this, what is the
optimal ratio ?

Delhi in addition has the problem of slow progress of a planned subway train
system. Chennai is making faster progress on its elevated system that will
run approx 15 km by mid 2002, connecting vast residential localities with
one part of the business district.

What would be the role of tram systems in today's scenario, for a developing
country ? Calcutta (now Kolkatta) has an ancient system that still creaks
along.

In a related area, can there be improvement in car occupancy, through use of
Information Technology with programmes that will enable matching of travel
needs ? Any information on readymade or tailored packages for car/ride
share, as well as studies in this area would be useful.

Anant
Chief Reporter,
The Hindu, Chennai, India
Tel: + 91 44 8413942
       91 44 4834848


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-sustran-discuss at jca.ax.apc.org
[mailto:owner-sustran-discuss at jca.ax.apc.org]On Behalf Of Paul Barter
Sent: 04 April 2001 11:21
To: 'aasust_discuss'
Subject: [sustran] fwd: Delhi public transport crisis again


Again, it seems the bus system plus other services like autorickshaws have
been severely disrupted in Delhi.  Any comments or insights on this from our
Indian or Delhi-based participants?
Paul
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