blue-line tragedy

text of the letter sent to Times of India:

I refer to the editorial, specifically the following excerpts, published in your columns on the 9th instant under the caption 'Get Moving'.

"It (the Delhi government) invited big companies to run the city’s buses, but no one seems keen. It is not hard to understand why.

Entities used to abiding by a framework of rules will rather not deal with a regime where transport authorities, policemen and politicians call the shots and make a quick rupee. For their rent-seeking behaviour, the city incurs a huge cost.

The government’s role as facilitator and regulator will have to change for bona fide players to show interest. It should allow private players operational freedom while ensuring that they observe traffic and every other norm. In cities that have a decent transport system anywhere in the world, commuters, government and transporters all understand the economic benefits of public order. In India, they don’t."

Yes, Sir, very clearly therein lies the problem. Rather than the blueline operators, it is the governments, whose policies perpetuate such situations, that have blood all over their hands.

The situation in Bangalore is different only to the extent that the speeds get automatically restricted due to the severe congestion. Not surprisingly, a survey by a leading T V channel has picked out Bangalore as the worst city to drive in.