Bengaluru: The Transport department launched ‘Less Traffic Day' at Vidhana Soudha, with Minister H.M. Revanna flagging off a cycle rally. The purpose of the day is to encourage citizens to avoid private vehicles and choose public transport on every second Sunday of the month.
Revanna spoke about the need to prevent a ‘Delhi-like situation’, with regard to air and noise pollution. "Bengaluru's pollution levels are worsening with around 72 lakh vehicles plying on the roads. Some asked why only Sunday has been chosen for Less Traffic Day. Let the discussion happen. It is not a law, which we have enforced to bring about change, we need citizens' support," the Minister said. "We request the Central Government to implement such a programme in all states," he added.
The Minister said his government was doing everything possible to implement electric vehicles. He said the state proposes to add 150 electric buses to the BMTC's fleet, but the Centre has sanctioned only 40 and they will be rolled out soon.
Pollution sensors
In his address, Mayor Sampath Raj made two major announcements. "We plan to include a Rs 30-crore project in the upcoming budget, for control and command room and pollution sensors on all roads. These will be linked to Disaster Management cell."
For example, if there are four sensors in Majestic area, and if the pollution levels increase, the command centre will keep vigil on transit vehicles, their emission levels and 20 other such points on their check list.
Another announcement was regarding last mile connectivity at Metro stations. As a pilot project 200 electric two-wheelers will be given free of cost at metro stations for last mile connectivity. Thereafter, a nominal fee will be charged. “The discussion on electric four- wheelers is also on. Industries Minister R.V. Deshpande wants to start an electric vehicle industry in Bengaluru," the Mayor said.
Taxi aggregators Ola and Uber also lent their support to the ‘Less Traffic Day’ initiative. BMTC discounted their day pass, reducing the price from Rs 70 to Rs 65 for the day, along with running additional services.
BMRCL offers discount
On account of Less Traffic Day, BMRCL increased the smart card discount from 15 to 25 per cent on February 11, Sunday.
Namma Metro CPRO Vasanth Rao informed that ridership from 8 am to 4 pm on Less Traffic Day saw a slight increase. "The total ridership on Sunday was 1. 38 lakhs, as opposed to 1.31 lakhs on previous Sunday," he said.
