Date:17/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/17/stories/2008061755590802.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

On BRTS

The introduction of two exclusive bus lanes by the Delhi government in April 2008 is commendable (“Debating Delhi’s rapid transit system,” June 14). Not only has it made the bus routes in Delhi safe but also made life easier and more comfortable for those who use the bus. Of course, as a result, car users face heavy traffic on the road. But this should only encourage more of them to use the BRTS. They can reduce pollution and the superfluous consumption of fuel. The 5.8-km stretch on which BRTS has been introduced should be expanded.

With its numerous advantages, the project will soon become popular, encouraging other metropolitan cities to start a rapid transit system.

Aali Pant,

Nainital

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BRTS is the best suited to Delhi in the context of the increasing role of public mass transport. It is one of the best options for the people of the city. With more people using it, pollution will decline. The exclusive lane system will also bring down the number of road mishaps.

Ashish Singh Bikku,

Banka

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If passengers are to be picked up and dropped on the road median, the designers should have ensured safe underground or overhead transit across the roads. A brief look at photographs of the Beijing BRT will show that this service runs on roads that are 10 or 12 lanes wide. No such roads exist anywhere in India. The Delhi designers merely appropriated two lanes for their service with no consideration for the rest of the road users. Lack of an integrated and inclusive approach has lost the BRT designers a lot of credibility, though the system itself deserves serious study.

S. Nityananda,

Bangalore