The Kochi district administration and the Motor Vehicles Department, with the support of the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR),  observed December 18 as ‘Bus Day’. Joining in the event are Transport Minister Jose Thettayil, actors Dileep, Sidique, Remya Nambeesan and Bala and a number of celebrities.

The programme flagged off by actor Dileep from Kakkanad Civil Station at 9 am. Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany, Deputy Mayor Bhadra Satheesh, and Collector Dr Beena  also used the public transport system on the day, in addition to other celebrities, MLAs, and prominent persons from all walks of life. Both the KSRTC and private buses operators  participated in the venture. Red FM was the media partner for the day.

A well-developed public transport system has been advocated by most advanced countries. Public transportation is a critical link to jobs, economic expansion, and quality of life in our community. Riding the bus is easy, inexpensive, convenient, and comfortable. It also saves money, and wear and tear of personal vehicles, while reducing traffic congestion and preventing air pollution.

Bus Day was a campaign aimed at branding buses as the best way to move about a city. It encourages people to leave their vehicles at home and hop on to city buses, to understand the importance of the public transport system in reducing traffic and environmental issues. It is definitely a call to persuade ‘well off’ people to use the bus.

Benefits of using the public transport system are aplenty. First, it saves money. Second, a person arrives at his/her office relaxed and ready to work, free from the stress of driving a car at peak traffic hours. It also reduces the need for on-site employee parking. Finally, it helps reduce traffic and pollution in the city.