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Bids have been invited for the procurement of modern passenger information systems in seven State Transport Undertakings (STU). Sumana, CAG, acknowledges that this is a good move but called for such a system to ensure information is communicated through various modes and not just focussed on the technologically-savvy citizen. In addition, information should be updated in real-time. A CAG study established that passengers generally find public transport information through official mediums difficult to access, and not always reliable.

As the Karnataka government rolls out a free bus scheme for women, Sumana, CAG explains why such a scheme is good for women, their families in particular and the society at large. Typically, when women save money in any manner, they recycle it back into their families, for example, investing it in their children and their education. 

To improve Chennai's bus service, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) is auditing user experiences about safety, comfort and reliability of Chennai's buses. Sumana, CAG, comments on how MTC can ensure information (on timings, routes, etc) is communicated effectively to passengers.

Riding on the wrong side of the road can be a costly infraction. An article that explains that public behaviour, road design and enforcement changes are needed to fix this problem.

Improving Chennai's public transport will be an integral part of making the city, climate resilient. With commuters facing long waits for their bus while sitting on hot, metal seats or under leaky-roof bus shelters, Sumana, CAG, explains that increasing the frequency of buses is central to solving these problems. This then needs to be followed up by other climate resilient measures that improve waiting conditions, last mile connectivity etc.

With construction of the Metro causing severe disruptions to traffic flow, Sumana, CAG explains that giving commuters adequate, prior notice on road closure will go a long way towards easing congestion.

Chennai might pride itself on being the first city in the country with a non-motorised traffic policy, says Sumana, CAG, but has this policy actually made our pedestrians any safer?

Sumana, CAG explains that to keep pedestrians safe, we need a fundamental shift in attitude towards them. For as long as riders/drivers continue viewing pedestrians as second class citizens, their safety remains at risk. This needs policy makers to hear pedestrian voices and include them actively in road design meetings.

Sumana, CAG, commenting on how share autos support first and last mile connectivity, says that the government needs to have conversations with both drivers and commuters to understand needs from both sides. She adds that the first priority, however, should be to legalise them by giving them the right permits.

Sumana, CAG, talking about the plight of pedestrians in Chennai, comments that we have a Non-Motorised Transport policy, but that it exists only on paper. She adds that while areas like Pondy Bazaar are good examples of pedestrian friendly spaces, these are too few and far between. The government is still mostly focussed on prioritising private motorised vehicles by building flyovers and widening roads. This is not sustainable.