Rising crude prices and the resultant hike in fuel rates, fears of possible fossil fuel shortage sooner than later, and the environmental degradation caused by vehicular emission are among factors behind the universal drive to reduce to the extent possible the number of vehicles plying on roads. Considering the unprecedented growth in production of vehicles of all categories, it is just not possible to contain road traffic in order to ensure quicker and safer mobility. In this regard one single area that attracts attention most is bus transport with its offer to carry more passengers and thus help ease traffic congestion on city roads. The other plausible solution lies in individual vehicle owners switching to sharing of vehicles for daily commuting.
In view of the rapidly increasing use of personal cars and other modes of transport, it may not be easy to achieve greater reliance on bus transport. The inadequate road infrastructural facilities and poor traffic management in towns and cities add to the woes of bus transport undertakings. Neither is the proposal to dedicate separate lanes for buses on city roads as suggested for Delhi, the worst traffic-congested city in the country, would be acceptable to the users of other vehicles like cars, trucks and two- and three-wheelers, as also non-motorised vehicles, jostling for space. Besides, the growing traffic and the speeding over-crowded vehicles cause more road accidents and loss of lives and property.
Industry experts feel that despite challenges faced in traffic management, with growing urbanisation leading to a steady flow of migrants from rural areas and smaller towns to cities, public transport must be given top priority to avoid further deterioration in air quality, traffic congestion and noise pollution. Majority of bus passengers in the country can’t afford the cost of bus travel in India where it is the lowest as compared to other developing countries. Hence the need to lower it further though it would mean reduced revenue for transport undertakings. Private finance and private sector participation for improving road infrastructure is most appropriate in the changing scenario. Of course, the experts group on urban transport has suggested an investment of over Rs. 50,000 crores to expand bus transport in the 12th Plan period. Efforts are also on to improve facilities through electronic ticketing and easier movement of pedestrians to facilitate a smoother traffic flow. With all this, how the bus segment will rise to the occasion and meet the future traffic needs will be watched with both interest and concern.