Public transport may open with conditions
POST-LOCKDOWN The research institute also recommended encouraging cycling and walking, strengthening last-mile connectivity
NEW DELHI: Amid the third phase of the nationwide lockdown enforced to curb the spread of Covid-19, Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday that public transport may resume soon and that the central government was formulating guidelines for the same.
His statement comes on a day the Central Road Research Institute’s (CSIR-CRRI) made some recommendations for the safe use of public transport once the nationwide lockdown is lifted.
The guidelines, which are to be shared with all state governments and ministries in the central government, include limiting the number of passengers in buses and separate gates for boarding and alighting Metro coaches.
They also propose creating a partition between the driver’s seat and the back seat in taxis using a plastic sheet, a dynamic display showing the number of available seats in Metro trains and buses, and earmarking the waiting areas in stations, among others. Experts said these moves will help manage crowds after the lockdown is lifted.
NEW DELHI: The Central Road Research Institute’s (CSIR-CRRI) recommendations for the safe use of public transport, once the nationwide lockdown is lifted, include limiting the number of passengers in buses and separate gates for boarding and alighting Metro coaches.
The guidelines, to be shared with all state governments and ministries in the central government, also propose creating a partition between the driver’s seat and the back seat in taxis using a plastic sheet, a dynamic display showing the number of available seats in Metro trains and buses, and earmarking the waiting area in stations, among others. The guidelines also propose painting additional zebra crossings at each intersection to ensure pedestrians crossing on to opposite sides do not come in contact with each other.
Experts at CSIR-CRRI say these moves will help manage crowds, ensure the presence adequate transport infrastructure to discourage people from using private vehicles, encourage pedestrians and cyclists to ensure social distancing.
Experts recommend a “social distance” of at least six feet between people, as well as reducing physical contact, to minimise the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Satish Chandra, director CSIR-CRRI, said, “The biggest challenge is crowd management in public transport so that social distancing is effectively implemented. As only 50% occupancy is allowed in public transport currently, there is a need to enhance the capacity and also manage the demand by ensuring staggered office timings.”
Public transport services have been shut in the city since March 23, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 from March 25.
Officials said the Delhi government is working on a plan to ensure social distancing in public transport once the lockdown is lifted and public transport resumes. “We are working on a plan to decide how we will reopen public transport. We will also have to work out a plan to sanitise public transport,” a senior Delhi transport official said.
Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said public transport may resume soon, and that the Central government was formulating guidelines for the same.
Officials of the Delhi Metro said the organisation would follow guidelines framed by the Union and state governments.
Anuj Dayal, executive director, corporate communication, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, “We will follow all guidelines set by the government while framing advisories for passengers. Additionally, models adopted by metro systems across the world are being studied to ensure the resumption of services is convenient and safe for Delhi Metro commuters.”
With schools shut and interstate movement banned, experts said a lot of private buses, including chartered buses, are currently unused.
“These buses can be made part of the public transport system to help meet the increase in demand, ensure quality by observing social distancing measures, and discourage people from shifting to private vehicles. Staggered office timings and better work-from-home norms will also help,” said E Madhu, head, transport planning division, CSIR-CRRI.
Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director transport at the Centre for Science and Environment, said Delhi could easily induct the unused buses into its public transport fleet.
“The Delhi government has used private buses during the odd-even scheme. They just have to build on it. Though these are testing times, it is an opportunity to address the issue of overcrowding in public transport,” Roychowdhury said.
The CRRI recommends that e-rickshaw passengers not face each other and that the number of people who travel together in one vehicle be limited.
To reduce the load on public transportsystems,theguidelines suggest short trips be encouraged and infrastructure provided for cycle-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, bicycles and pedestrians.
Experts also pointed to innovative public transport systems other countries had adopted.
Amit Bhatt, director, transport, WRI India, said, “Bogota, the capital of Colombia, has converted 100km of streets into cycle lanes to reduce the load on its bus systems. Mexico City is planning to quadruple its cycle network to reduce the pressure on its metro. Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is creating cycle lanes as a safe alternative for the commute as the city has seen a 90% drop in public transport use,” Bhatt said.