Kochi Public Transport Day Observed

KOCHI:
The eighth edition of Kochi Public Transport Day (KPTD) was held on 20-10-2018.Kerala Transport Commissioner K Padmakumar IPS took a bus ride from Kacheripady to Chittor showing his support to the campaign to promote public transport.

YS Men’s Club, South Chittor in association with Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) conducted a discussion at Cherannalur Panchayat Hall wherein the possibilities for a new route from Chittor ferry via Container terminal road to Kalamassery metro station was discussed.

In his inaugural address, Hibi Eden MLA said northern Ernakulam still face critical transport issues. At present, people from Chernallur need to travel to Kacheripady covering 8 km to get a bus connecting to Kalamassery. He asserted the need for introduction of buses in these routes and that commencement of water metro will bring a facelift to Chittor ferry.

K Padmakumar delivered the keynote address.He said that public transport system cater to the needs of 70-75 per cent of passengers where as it constitutes only 18 per cent of the total vehicles in the state. He reinstated the need for improving the existing state of public transport system in the state so that more people will start using public transport. He assured that if individuals give request for new bus routes from Chittor to Kalamaserry to the RTA it will be duly considered.

Sony Cheeku, Panchayat President, Cheranallur while delivering the Presidential address discussed the transport issues faced by Cheranallur panchayat.

Ebenezer presented the proposal on the new route from Chittor ferry via Container terminal road to Kalamassery metro station. “Private buses are in the face of a down fall with around 1200 buses in Kochi withdrawing services. Metro is servicing the high density North-South route, and it is high time buses should be re-routed to East-West route with metro station as its central point ” he said.

Chairman of CPPR Dr D Dhanuraj urged the public to render support and actively participate in the cause for promoting public transportation while delivering the vote of thanks.

Kochi Public Transport Day, a year-long movement is driven by city-based think tank Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), along with the Kochi Corporation, elected representatives, government departments and stakeholders in the city’s public transport system, including KSRTC, KMRL, Water Metro, Private Bus Owners Association and Chambers of Commerce and Industry.