RTI application reveals that PMPML has plans to block BRT corridors for non-BRT buses; officials deny any such move
RTI application reveals that PMPML has plans to block BRT corridors for non-BRT buses; officials deny any such move
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A simple RTI has opened a Pandora's box in Pune. According to information received by Prashant Inamdar, in response to an RTI application, very soon non-BRT buses will not be allowed to enter theu00a0 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system corridors, thereby multiplying city's traffic woes.
Inamdar, convenor of Pedestrian First, an NGO, had filed an RTI application seeking details of the proposal for bus operation under the Public Private Partnership model. Inamdar said, "The information I have received indicates that in a meeting on May 26, Pune Divisional Commissioner Dilip Band gave directives to Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) to maintain a closed system for BRT, which means that all non-BRT routes will terminate at the beginning of the BRT corridor. So non-BRT route buses will not be allowed to enter the BRT corridor."
However, when contacted, Band said, "I have not issued any such directive and nor has my office issued it." If such a directive does come into force, it would mean more traffic problems for Puneites, especially in the peak hours on the BRT routes Katraj-Hadapsar, Pune Station-Nigdi and Swargate- Dhayri (Sinhgad Road). While
pointing out at the implications, Inamdar said, "Commuters travelling by non-BRT buses will have to get down and walk to the nearest BRT stop, to continue their onward journey. Then, they may have to board another non-BRT bus to reach their destination.
Moreover, these transfer points will be dictated solely by the location where both the routes meet." He added, "Commuters will have to bear multiple journey breaks and multiple ticketing, which means more fare."
Anuradha Ukidwe, a homemaker residing at Bibewadi, which is close to Kartaj-Hadapsar route, said, "BRT corridors hinder the free-flow movement of traffic. People like me will have to take alternate routes, and bear with additional traffic, as non-BRT buses will be diverted to bylanes."
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