asj's blog
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as it is currently planned in India is suggested as the one-size-fit-all solution to our transport woes. Having travelled on Mumbai’s bus service (BEST) for thirty years & London’s public transport since 2001, I can’t share the optimism of those who believe BRT (as it is currently planned) is the way forward. When senior citizens, children & disabled struggle to cross the roads safely, one would hope for a solution that improves all aspects of mobility. I wonder why a city like Pune would spend crores of rupees on BRT when 40% of its roads don’t have pavements (see state of Pune pavements here). That almost a third of Pune citizens commute by walking makes the question more poignant.
I am aware that much needs doing with regards enhancing public transport in all Indian cities. What I am not convinced is whether all cities should have a BRT. Could there be simpler options that are more cost-effective? My answer to this question is a 'yes'.
Video 17: Dealing with in car condensation
Though weather changes are minimal in India, this does happen in winters and monsoon. Often this causes in-car condensation affecting the windscreen and visibility. Often drivers use a cloth when there are simpler ways. Last in the series, this video ends with some sundry rules all drivers must remember.
Video 16: Give Cyclists the Respect of a car
Cycling in Indian cities like Pune, Nagupur and others was once an important mode of transport. Considered unsafe amidst increasingly unruly motorised vehicles, cycling is on decline. This video emphasises the need to give the cyclist the respect of a car.
Video 15: Parallel parking (reverse parking).
Indian drivers often park inappropriately. This may be either due to lack of consideration to others or poor training. Presuming its the latter, this video shows how parallel or reverse parking can be as easy as adding 2 + 2. Simply practice the steps explained on the video.
Video 14: Low beams or high beams? कौनसे लाईट को कब इस्तमाल करे?
One feature of travelling in India at dusk or later is the lack of understanding amongst drivers on when to use the vehicles headlights. Often drivers don't use any lights even when it is dark, on other hand, some use the high beam even in built up urban areas. This short film hopefully will help create awareness amongst drivers. This is vital as correct use of lights can avert accidents.
Video13: Lane discipline and overtaking
The driving test in India at best expects learner drivers to manage the clutch and accelerator. Given that there is no theory test, drivers have little understanding of blind-spots, principle of mirrors signal and manoeuvre. Both these concepts are vital to effectively manage changing lanes and overtaking safely. This video hopes to bring these principles to fore.
Video 12: Speed limits, stopping distances and 2 second rule
Travelling on Indian roads involves enduring indisciplined traffic. Over and above this, lack of training and information means few if any of the drivers are aware of speed limits, stopping distances and the rather useful 2 seconds rule. This video makes this vital information available to all drivers.
How to deal with roundabouts? राउंड-अबाउट को कैसे ज्हेले?
Roundabouts are one of the most cost-effective traffic regulation measures. Unfortunately much like driving on wrong side of the road, often drivers go in front rather than around the roundabout. This short video shows how following five easy rules helps deal with roundabouts effectively.
Video 10: Show Courtesy on roads क्या रास्तों पे गांधिगिरी का उपयोग हो सकता है?
Video 9: Never Cut Corners
This video demonstrates how cutting corners is a bad and dangerous habit all drivers must avoid.
Video 8: Leaving The Main Road
Video 7: Merging With The Main Road Driving in India is unique in that hardly anyone gives way at junctions. A typical intersection in smaller cities and towns of India is very chaotc. Whether you are in Patna, Agra, Pune or Banglore - hardly anyone follows road rules. This video demonstrates how disciplined driving helps traffic move smoothly and safely.
Video 6: Tyres And Tarmac (rather than bumber to bumper) One of the common experiences of travelling in India is the bumper to bumper traffic on the roads. This video suggests the need tofollow a different rule - Tyres and Tarmac. The benefits of Tyres and Tarmac rule are also demonstrated.
Video 5: The Zebra Belongs To The Pedestrians Indian driver's are known to not follow rules. Worse still,they show no respect to a fellow human - the pedestrian. Most driver's fail to stop at the zebra crossings for the pedestrians. Perhaps this video will encourage the Indian driver's to follow the rules i.e. The Zebra belongs to the pedestrians and bring about a much needed cultural change on Indian roads.
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