Women commuters are the silent sufferers of certain harassments being meted out to them during their journeys in BMTC buses. With uncontrolled influx of people into Namma Bengaluru, more and more people are using the BMTC buses. One can find young women rushing to board buses, however crowded they may be, with the sole intention of reaching their destinations. It is the women folk of ordinary buses who are the worst affected with various kinds of embarassing situations inside the overloaded buses.
Suggestion: Let us create a 60:40 ratio of space in a bus - with 40 for women. Bifurcate the front portion of the bus by erecting a full length steel plate with small holes for air circulation and a small opening for 'conductor only' for easy movement for issue of tickets on both sides . Male passengers are barred from getting into the front portion. Women must get into the bus and get down from the front door near the driver. Women must avoid getting into the rare portion meant for male passengers. Since most city buses with low floor have wide pneumatic doors, it should not be a problem to adhere to a set pattern of entry/exit for the ladies. If necessary, number of seats that occupy quite a bit of space may be reduced. Sturdy frames with strong hangers may be provided for comfortable standing journey.
If the above suggestion is implemented, women commuters would no doubt feel safe and secure.
Vasanthkumar Mysoremath
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