The inauguration of the Chennai Metro between Koyambedu and Alandur on Monday has raised hopes of improving public transport in the city. For a city that has a suburban train network, elevated Mass Rapid Transit System and Metropolitan Transport Corporation bus services and now the Metro, the transport system still is disjointed forcing people to spend a lot on private transport. The dependence on private transport has increased the number of vehicles, thereby increasing pressure on road infrastructure and causing pollution.
In these circumstances, experts in the city hope that Sidewalk Labs, a company started by Google and based in New York, will make cities smarter using technology. Google describes Sidewalk Labs as an “urban innovation company” that will pursue technologies to cut pollution, curb energy use, streamline transportation and reduce the cost of city living. To achieve that goal, Sidewalk Labs plans to build technology, buy it and invest in partnerships, the company’s statement says.
K.P. Subramaniam, former professor, Urban Engineering Department, Anna University, said considering the lack of last mile connectivity between public transport facilities and absence of proper cycle tracks and pavements, the technology created by Sidewalk Labs seems to be exciting and after integration with Google Maps, could hold the answer for deficiencies in the city. However, it all hinges on the authorities using the available technology, he said.
Awareness drives
With just a day to go before motorcyclists have their documents impounded if they do not wear helmets, law enforcers in the city are gearing up to implement the Madras High Court directions.
Staff of Regional Transport Offices across the city joined traffic policemen in creating awareness among the people on the importance of wearing helmets. “With support from helmet dealers in different localities, we conducted rallies, riding two-wheelers in groups of three, wearing helmets. Pamphlets are also being distributed at traffic signals,” said an official from the traffic department.
Traffic police say clearly that if two-wheeler riders wear a helmet, we will not stop them, but it should have an ISI mark. “People will lose their patience, but we are doing it for their own good,” said a police officer.
Even pillion riders have to wear helmets. “Motorists can wear any type of a protective head gear, except cycling helmets. Everyone on the bike has to wear the head gear,” a transport department official said.
(Reporting by R. Srikanth and Vivek Narayanan)
