The Times of India 18.11.2013
Bus transport utility sends PMC must-have list on new BRT route
PUNE: After the recent trial run of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) project on the Vishrantwadi-Wagholi route, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has raised various issues about the project with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
The bus transport utility has sought the installation of automatic doors in bus stations and passenger terminals at both ends.
During the trial run, it was found that buses may suffer damages on the outside because of the extension of platforms at all bus stations. The PMPML has suggested measures to tackle the issue.
The municipal corporation is planning to commission the BRTS project on the 16-km Vishrantwadi-Wagholi stretch covering both Ahmednagar and Alandi roads. It has claimed that most infrastructure work such as construction of bus stations and other facilities for commuters have been completed.
Last month, the civic body conducted its first trial run on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor primarily to check the alignment of buses with the bus stations. The PMC would be conducting more trials to check other facilities including the commuting time of buses on the corridor as against the mixed traffic lanes. Through the trial run, the PMC has indicated that it wants to make the BRTS operational as early as possible.
The PMPML officials said the bus stations need automatic doors that open after the bus is aligned with the platform. At present, many bus stations do not have the facility. The PMPML officials associated with the project said automatic doors would prevent passengers from entering or accidentally falling into the bus lanes.
The PMPML administration has suggested that rubber rollers, like those in Ahmedabad's Janmarg BRT, be fixed on bus stations to prevent scratch marks and damage to buses due to the extended platforms.
Other works such as setting up ramps and fixing of tiles, and railings should be completed at all bus stations and passenger terminals and stations at both ends in Vishrantwadi and Wagholi, be constructed, said PMPML officials.
Various citizens' groups and industrial associations have insisted that unless all the works, including road safety facilities for pedestrians and passengers are completed, the municipal corporation should not start bus services on the route. Civic officials have assured them that the works will be completed.
Inadequacy of buses
Starting bus services on the Vishrantwadi-Wagholi BRT route may have an adverse impact on the city bus services. The PMPML has a fleet of about 1,500 buses, of which 1,200 to 1,300 buses ply on various routes in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and the fringe areas every day.
The BRT service on the Vishrantwadi-Wagholi route would need a fixed number of buses and only those with doors opening on either side. The PMPML has a limited number of such buses, officials said. Another BRT project is nearing completion in Pimpri Chinchwad on the Nigdi and Dapodi stretch. If both projects are made operational simultaneously, the PMPML will face a shortage of buses for its city operations, the officials added.
