'Brand Bengaluru' survey: Citizens for more public transport, pedestrian facilities

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Brand Bengaluru mobility survey conducted in June 2023 to gather a feedback from citizens on how to improve the city's transport system, reveals that one of the recurring concerns voiced by citizens was the need for better infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists besides better public transport.

The survey findings were submitted to the BBMP on Monday. The survey received over 10,000 responses. Citizens called for more crosswalks, wider footpaths, and dedicated cycle lanes.

They also expressed a desire for safer streets, free of encroachments and litter. While stressing on augmented public transport facilities, citizens wanted more frequent and reliable bus and metro services, as well as better lastmile connectivity.

They also called for lower fares and more incentives to encourage people to use public transport. The stakeholders meeting on the #BrandBengaluru campaign discussed the need for significant improvement to mobility infrastructure in the city.

This includes increasing pedestrian walkway network connectivity, improving the quality of footpaths, and implementing pedestrianized and cycle streets in areas with high pedestrian population.

The meeting felt lastmile connectivity can be improved by providing feeder bus services. Participants also felt station accessibility should be prioritized.

In addition, the meeting recommended that the city develop an up-to-date Master Plan and Comprehensive Mobility Plan through proper scientific research on what the city might face in the coming years.

The stakeholders emphasized the need to make personal modes of travel unattractive through policy planning.

This could be done by implementing area parking plans, congestion pricing, and high lifetime taxes on vehicles, they felt.