Kochi: Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority (KMTA) has asked the regional transport authority (RTA) to revise the private bus schedules across the city, noting that the existing speed standard of 2.5 min/km is ‘outdated and unrealistic’.
Instead, new routes and short-loop circular routes should be introduced, he added. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
“The buses still follow the schedule formed nearly two decades ago, and the same is not practical in the current traffic scenario as the number of vehicles has gone up substantially,” said district collector G Priyanka. “To eliminate reckless racing between private buses, the meeting recommended that the RTA scientifically update and revise all bus schedules across the city,” she said. Pedestrian safety was designated as another top priority. Widened zebra crossings will be installed at major high-density intersections, including High Court Junction, Kaloor Junction, and Menaka. RTA also pledged to expand municipal parking facilities and enforce stricter compliance to prevent illegal street parking. To strengthen KMTA’s legal framework and execution capabilities, two dedicated subcommittees were formed. The statutory amendments subcommittee, comprising town planners, Smart City representatives, and transport experts, will draft necessary amendments to KMTA Act, while the finance subcommittee will structure long-term funding and financial sustainability. To adopt regional best practices, a joint delegation of public representatives and transport officials will visit Bengaluru and Chennai to study their integrated urban transit models. The meeting took place at Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) corporate office in Kaloor. Key attendees included T J Vinod MLA, mayor V K Minimol, additional chief secretary (finance) K R Jyothilal, transport commissioner G Sparjan Kumar, city police commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar, transport secretary T V Anupama, alongside local body representatives and administrative officials. “The city has expanded, and a new transport infrastructure has come. The travelling pattern of residents also underwent a major change. Its time new routes should be identified to provide public transportation to every nook and corner of the city,” pointed out D Dhanuraj, chairperson of Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), a city-based public-policy think tank. The current ‘point-to-point’ system, which often forces buses through heavily congested arterial roads, is inefficient. Download the TOI App.
The first meeting, since the formation of KMTA, was held on Monday evening under the leadership of transport minister C P John.