Kochi is set to celebrate yet another Bus Day! The Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), with the support of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, telecom partner Uninor, and media partner Red FM is observing May 31 as ‘Bus Day’. Celebrities and politicians are expected to participate in the event, the route for which is the Fort Kochi-Aluva stretch. The event will be flagged off from Thoppumpady at 8 am. Both KSRTC and private buses operators will participate in this venture.

‘Bus Day’ will be conducted on the third Wednesday of every month, for the next three months. The state’s first Bus Day was held on December 18, 2010. It was flagged off from Kakkanad Civil Station at 9 am by actor Dileep. Transport Minister Jose Thettayil, Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany, Deputy Mayor Bhadra Satheesh, and Collector Dr Beena used the public transport system on that day, in addition to other celebrities, MLAs, and prominent persons from all walks of life.

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’ is 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.

For more details, contact Vivek Mathai at 9496326956 or email vivek@civitas.in

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