THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The proposed light rail system is expected to bring down the heavy traffic congestion faced by the city commuters. However, experts feel strengthening the existing public transportation system is the key to ensuring the success of the light metro.
According a National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) study, the average journey speed in the city roads and outer roads is deteriorating day by day due to multiplying vehicle density.
Experts say around 30 per cent of the road traffic can be cut down with the introduction of light metro rail.
KSRTC and private buses are currently operating 10,559 trips on 1,902 routes in the district.
“Re-organising private and KSRTC bus routes and effective feeder services are very important to ensure the success of light metro. The current public transportation system is ineffective and unreliable and the first step should be to make them more commuter-friendly and incr-ease the number of fleets,” said scientist Shaheem S., who prepared the comprehensive mobility plan for the city.
He said the traffic had increased out of bounds beyond the road capacities and widening is not a feasible choice anymore.
“Currently, the bus services are being operated from East Fort and Thampanoor. The operation of buses has to be rescheduled as feeder services from various points to light metro stations,” said Mr Shaheem.
He said even the widened stretches in the city are congested owing to parking issues. “More parking spaces have to be developed to ensure off-street parking,” said the official.
