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Urban Transportation reforms around the BMLTA concept
Written By silkboard - 2 July, 2008
Bangalore BMTC Bus BMLTA Privatization KSRTC Reforms suggestion
In the telecom space, you have TRAI which is a national level regulatory body. Rightly so, since telecom networks have national footprint through interconnections, it need not be looked at as a state subject. Drawing a parallel for our state, think of extending BMLTA concept - a Karnataka state land transport authority (KSLTA). Why so? Because we want efficient two or three change connectivity from Whitefield to Haradanahalli as well, and not just to Jayanagar or Malleswaram. Just like the primary schools, every region needs good connectivity.
KSLTA can have circles defined for local transportation, just the way telecom world has circles that span 1 or more states. There could be a fixed number of operators in each circle. Some rolling stock operators could be allowed the equivalent of "STD", meaning they can offer inter-circle transportation as well, but there would be separate set of norms for long distance (inter circle) routes. The norms would look like this
- Mandatory direct or indirect connectivity between hubs like Bangalore and remote and potentially non-profitable areas.
- Not mixing the local and long distance loads
- Adhering to price guidelines, there could be two - one for local and another for long haul commutes.
- Guidelines on safety, operating conditions and quality of service (similar stuff as in UP govt's note about opening up its road transport sector)
"Roaming" should be a strict no no. Meaning, bus registered in one circle must operate in that circle. The inter-circle buses must do only long haul (inter-circle) business. So, a bus going from Bangalore to Kolar can't stop at HAL to pick up passengers for Marathahalli and Whitefield.
Inter state routes would require some more thinking, as there could be different sets of norms across states. A "reciprocal slot" approach could work here, basically on the lines of how international air routes are worked out. So, as an example, there would be equal number of bus trips originating and ending at Bangalore and Chennai (say 100 from Chennai, and 100 from Bangalore). But a Bangalore based operator could "lease" out its route to a Chennai operator (like how Air India does on many international routes today, it can't afford to operate, so gives them out to that country's carrier).
To summarize all of above:
- In such a world, there wouldn't be a BMLTA, only a KSLTA. Why? Because you don't want to enhance public transportation only in Bangalore Metro Region, you need it everywhere. Its a basic, like primary education. Or else, you will be expanding Bangalore's boundary every 5 years, whereas, 'equal' development will create "peer" hubs around Bangalore without requiring special attentions and more B* bodies.
- There would be operating circles. Bangalore Metro region could be one. Mangalore-Udupi region could be another. There will be some study required to carve out these circles. Can't have too many of them, nor too few.
- Inter-state routes will be regulated as well, so that Karnataka based operators get eqaul share of any KA city's prosperity. Number of intestate routes could be driven by demand. But there must be some reciprocal arrangement.
- Last, KSRTC, BMTC etc can choose to continue to exist. They can be given the first right of refusal in all KA circles. They could be given a fixed percentage on all interstate routes. And if they get their act together (they certainly can, look, they are so much better than many other state's operators), perhaps KSRTC/BMTC will exist and prosper like BSNL and MTNL!
How does it sound? If someone can do a Karnataka map with possible "local transportation" circles, that will add some cheese here.
COMMENTS
DULT - Accomplishments in last 3-4 years?
kbsyed61 - 28 January, 2013 - 17:25
Well, I don't think there is any less enthusiasm for better commute options. It is just that, in the zeal of portraying 'Namma Metro' as the biggest achievement, present govt and its machinery's has hardly done anything. In the melee, those who were active, interested are met with a wall that has stopped all proposals, ideas from even getting considered in govt corridors. This is certainly putting the concerned ones OFF and their movements losing steam.
If sources were to be believed, BMRCL has been an active stake holder in all such meetings and discussions. It seems BMRCL is becoming the veto power for furthering any plans or ideas getting materialized.
BMTC doesn't want to do anything different to increase its footprint and reach? This interview from present BMTC MD Anjum Pervez bares it all.
Having said that, it will be interesting to see how far DULT has succeeded in its mission since the earlier avatar was rechristened? What are its accomplishments in last 3-4 years?
navshot - 3 July, 2008 - 06:27
SB,
I agree on benefits of privatization and regulation thereafter. What I was referring to was that we can't compare this with telecom. As far as private guys go, I'm not sure how many big guys would be interested in intra-city services.
Apart from these, how would we integrate railways with this? Would it be possible to bring IR/SWR under KSLTA? If we can't, again we'd be just tackling in bits and pieces.
-- navshot
tsubba - 4 July, 2008 - 02:58
Transport, Telecom and general gyan
navshot - 2 July, 2008 - 10:14
While it would be great if transportation in India could be revolutionized like telecom, they are completely different stories with different challenges. The telecom revolution happened as the govt. saw an opportunity untapped - mobile phones. If you see telecom, India was way behind in tele-density and new technologies like GSM/CDMA were pretty much standardized. Once policies were formulated, it was more like plug and play, as we had no wireless system in place, so moving from zero to something of this was relatively smooth. It did not interfere existing system much (though it almost did dislodge fixed line). Now you are seeing the fun with fights between CDMA and GSM and also 3G spectrum allocation. I foresee the future of telecom in India won't be so smooth as it has been in the last decade.
Now compare this with transport. We already have cities and roads and transport networks in place (no matter how messy). Anything we do, would have to be retrofitted to the existing system. The requirements are very particular to the region - you can't pick something from Europe and plug it here. Its not easy. I'm not sure if many private guys are excited with this.
Comparisons aside, I think we need to think of integrating multi-mode transport at the state-level too... atleast road and rail (if not air).
-- navshot
DULT - where? MPC - did not happen
silkboard - 28 January, 2013 - 05:04
Reopening this one. Murali has been at these subjects for a long time. Back then, there was some talk and momentum for Metropolitan Planning Council/Commission, DULT was mentioned as a possible regulator for urban/local transportation needs.
As we all see - not much has moved, besides BMRC/Metro construction chugging along - on the local transportation front. There is a need to re-open this seriously.
The big question is this, and mainly because I think we have discussed this subject a lot already. What are your ideas for an advocacy projetc in this area?
May be, that this starts first with figuring out if people at large are 1) happy at large with local transportation options 2) are optimistic about it improving in future.
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