Enrique Penalosa suggests BRT to make Delhi a world-class city
Enrique Penalosa, architect of the present successful BRT systems of the world says that it is not just possible but necessary to make Delhi, a city to be adored by the rest of the world.
Long after the Delhi government put up a defected Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), just to call it off, transport professionals are trying to give it a shot again, featuring the benefits of BRT. However, there are certain riders that follow a few common technical standards that are barely seen in the Ambedkar Nagar BRT. Penalosa thinks that beyond the world-class subway it has, Delhi also needs a BRT. She even suggested that the tram and subway system can be complemented by the BRT. Enrique Penalosa had many interesting ideas when it was discussed how Delhi could implement the BRT system.
He even mentioned that beyond further buses and para-transit transporting options such as rickshaw or bicycle, the city is in need of adequate space for walking. This can be accelerated by a high-speed bus service that will surely make Delhi a world class city. The present BRT is no better than a bus lane while a perfect BRT is likely to be like a Subway system, which proper corridors.
The checklist is along one and it needs proper adherence to imply a successful BRT. Penalosa recommends to ban the movement of cars from narrow roads as buses can hold room for more people. There has to be a wide-spread bus network along with single-dedicated bus lane that will double when approaches a bus-stop. Easily accessible bus stops with proper enclosure will be more helpful to the BRT system. The system’s hallmark is definitely high frequency and good speed. Penalosa also said that it should be mandatory for new roads as well.
The system need not be a robust one as only adequate bus service can possibly make the BRT function properly. The World Bank statistics suggests that around 50-100 buses should be enough to deal with a population of 1 lakh. In Delhi, there are roughly 6,000 buses to render service to 1.68 crore as per the census of 2011. Penalosa wants to change this situation immediately.
There are certain other changes that Penalosa wants to make in Delhi which includes safe pedestrian crossing, extended footpaths, and properly covered cycle tracks, convenient placing of bus stops, proper carriageways and of course designated on-road parking.
Source:
Economic Times
Ambedkar Nagar BRT, BRT system, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor, Bus Rapid Transit Corridor, Bus rapid transit system, Enrique Penalosa
