A bit of etiquette will make the convenience of the Metro even more pleasant.
The citizens of Bangalore have been eagerly looking forward to Namma Metro for a long time.They have put up with traffic snarls,construction barricades and long-winded detours to see this 'three compartment wonder' turn into reality.Very soon,Bangalore will become only the third city in India after Kolkata and Delhi to own a Metro.This is indeed a tribute to the prestige and prominence that the city has come to acquire in India,and outside.
From a quiet,laid-back environment that prevailed till about 15 years ago,the city has turned into a bustling metropolis of nearly eight million people who have made it their home from across the country and the world.
Bustling city
The ushering in of the Metro signifies that Bangalore is indeed a global city on the move.The Metro has made a big difference to the lives of the people of Delhi.Today,they travel from Noida to Gurgaon with one change in between in just about 45 minutes,something that could never have been imagined earlier.Trains go full especially during peak hours and commuters are remarkably disciplined.Bangalore still has a long way to go.The BMTC's Volvo buses have been a success in the ITPL/Whitefield sector and most of those passengers are potential Metro travelers.Till such time that all the major areas of Bangalore get networked with Majestic as the common transit point,Reach I will be serving a limited segment.Nevertheless,even with this limited edition,the Metro will considerably reduce traveling time for a large number of people in the Indiranagar,Jeevanbhimanagar,C V Raman Nagar and adjoining areas around the CBD and Byappanahalli.If adequate parking space is provided at Byappanahalli and Swami Vivekananda Road (Old Madras Road) stations,office goers can conveniently use the Metro to reach M G Road and back.However,there could be congestion near Metro stations that could result in traffic jams.The authorities must address this concern.Space must be clearly earmarked for buses and autos near each Metro station.
Metro etiquette
To enjoy the Metro experience,commuters must follow some guidelines.They must form a queue at each doorway and wait for people to alight before boarding in an orderly manner.They must stand behind the safety line on the platform to avoid accidents.They must stand clear of the door when it opens upon reaching the station.They must avoid carrying heavy luggage into the Metro.As the seats are limited,they must allow the elderly,physically challenged and people with young children to sit down.They must avoid talking loudly on the mobile phone or with fellow commuters.They must look after the metro as if it's their own and avoid throwing litter on the platform or in the station premises.Above all,they must not get into 'Metro rage'.They must respect the fellow commuter and allow him his space.
Last mile connectivity
'Last mile connectivity' is perhaps the most critical factor in the running of any Metro rail system.Commuting safely from the residence to the boarding station and again from the alighting station to one's destination is vital for the success of the Metro.It would not help if the commuter has to compete for conveyance or pay through his nose to get to his residence or office.BMTC's proposed Metro Feeder Service needs to be efficiently managed to ensure safe transportation of people particularly during early and late hours.
Green factor
By far,the most significant contribution of the Metro would be towards the environment.By ferrying a few hundred people on each trip,the Metro will definitely help in bringing down the number of vehicles plying along its route.This in turn brings down the level of pollution in the air around the area.Being completely air conditioned,travel on the Metro will also be free of pollution.
Increase in productivity
Driving a car or riding a bike in Bangalore is quite stressful.We are fatigued and exhausted by the time we reach the office.Taking the Metro for work could ease tension and help in concentrating better on work.This could result in higher productivity as well as camaraderie among colleagues.The anxiety of getting into traffic gridlocks or waiting for long durations at traffic signals will be eliminated.One can also network with friends and colleagues while traveling on the Metro.Weekends could be fun with families bonding over a ride on the Metro.The authorities must work towards a well-connected and networked Metro with more speed and alacrity in the coming years.In the meanwhile,we must warmly and enthusiastically welcome Namma Metro when it makes its inaugural journey on Reach I.
(The author is Director - Communications,Texas Instruments)
VOICES
The Metro will be a convenient mode of transport.The traffic congestion should reduce and the way I see it,the pricing is also very economical.Now you can predict the time taken for travel between one place and another.Since I live off Brigade Road,I can now take guests around by the Metro.It will save time tremendously.
Ramesh Ailoo C M H ROAD
With this efficient mode of transport,people will have another option to consider.The Metro is time-saving,fast and hasslefree.If I have to go to M G Road,I would definitely use the Metro for I can save myself parking woes.Feeder buses should ply in and around neighbouring areas.
Naren Shah DEFENSE COLONY
The Metro is a clean and efficient mode of transport.I would definitely use it whenever I get a chance to.I am sure more people will start using it as the connectivity extends to all parts of the city.
Ranjini Sudhakaran INDIRANAGAR
The Metro will be good for business on this road.It will help those who come here to shop and dine.Because of the works going on,people used to avoid this road.Now,the going will be upbeat.
Harish Patel C M H ROAD
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