Mobility is most fundamental for every citizen, and the modern society is creating new mobility needs and new usages. With growing urbanization, towns and cities would remain paralysed without advanced transportation facilities. Public transport helps connect people and alleviate congestion on roads.
Cities’ growth and the consequent increase in mobility necessitate an appropriate and suitable transport solution. Continuous monitoring and management of transport demand is crucial as a first step towards curbing the total volume of traffic and promoting shift towards more sustainable travel choices.
Making these observations while inaugurating the first UITP India Bus Seminar organised in Bangalore by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Mr. Ramalinga Reddy, Karnataka Transport Minister, said the current urban transport scenario across the country is indicating a declining share of public transport and an increasing use of available individual vehicles such as private cars and motorbikes. In fact, citizens expect mobility solutions which are quick, safe, convenient, clean and affordable.
He said that public transport service providers have a great responsibility to provide facilities to ensure safety and sustainability. It is also important to note that commuters always compare transport performance with other services offered. Making public transport the preferred option for commuters is possible only if the services are designed appropriately.
According to the Minister, successful transport demand management involves availability of improved travel options, and hence the success of new mobility patterns would depend upon the availability of attractive public transport services.
To achieve these objectives, Mr. Reddy called upon public transport organizations to fully meet their customer needs by delivering quality and innovative services. They must change their corporate culture from being a fleet manager to a customer-oriented organization and boost the sector’s potential. It is also necessary for public transport service providers to design the services in such a way that it matches the lifestyle of the youth.
The Minister expressed his hope that the seminar would look into these aspects and drive all the stakeholders towards improving the public transport system to enhance its share in towns and cities.