BENGALURU: The state government does not seem to be keen, at least for now, in the car-pooling system proposed with the aim of reducing traffic congestion in Bengaluru.
The city traffic police had favoured implementing car-pooling on the Maharashtra model. But keeping in view the possibility of commercial use of white board cars and the interests of autorickshaw and taxi drivers, the government has rejected the proposal.
Car-pooling system was proposed with the aim of finding a solution to Bengaluru’s traffic congestion. The objective of this system was that if those travelling on the same route travel in the same vehicle, the number of vehicles on the road will reduce and traffic congestion may lessen. Hence, the traffic police had favoured implementing the Maharashtra model of car-pooling in Bengaluru as well.
But the government’s apprehension is that if car-pooling is allowed, there is a possibility of private cars having white boards being used as rental vehicles. As per rules, there is no permission to use private vehicles for commercial purpose. The government’s opinion is that if permission is given to take passengers by taking money in the name of car-pooling, it may indirectly give scope for violation of rules.
There is also a possibility that such a system will affect auto and taxi drivers. There has been apprehension expressed that private cars may pose competition to drivers who are providing service by obtaining official licence. Along with this, lack of clear rules and standards related to car-pooling system is also a major reason for the government’s decision.
Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh clarified that the government will not implement car-pooling. “We are not going to implement car pooling in Bengaluru”, he said.
Though there is a possibility of reducing traffic congestion, keeping in mind the risk of commercial use of private vehicles and the interest of the transport sector, the government has backed out from the car-pooling proposal. Now, the challenge before the government is to find an alternative and effective solution to Bengaluru’s traffic problem.
