Lack of designated bus stops for Smart City buses hinder smooth traffic movement

Srinagar, July 7: The lack of designated bus stops for Smart City buses is hampering smooth vehicular movement on various routes in the summer capital.

The commuters said that the lack of bus stops is forcing drivers of e-buses to make frequent stops after a few meters, which is leading to traffic jams. Many commuters said that during peak hours, it gets difficult for them to reach their respective destinations because they get stuck between the buses, which make countless stops while ferrying the passengers.

‘Getting stuck behind a smart city bus is a nightmare for every commuter. Due to the enormous size of the bus, whole roads get blocked, and the vehicles behind the buses get stuck for a long time,” said Fahim Mir, a commuter.

The passengers said that designated bus stops are the need of the hour as this will be convenient for them too. They said if the authorities will make bus stops after short distances, it will help streamline the service.

“When no designated bus stops exist, everyone waits outside their home or office to board the bus. If there were dedicated bus stops, people would gather there, and buses would not have to make frequent stops. This issue also consumes our time and affects the traffic movement, too,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a passenger.

The locals said the buses are equipped with smart applications, and the authorities are also promising all the facilities. However, they said these buses are operating in an old fashion, which kills the purpose of having smart city buses in the city.

“If these government-run buses operate like private cabs and buses, what is the purpose of having these? We are benefiting from them, but it should not come at the cost of creating a traffic mess in the city,” said another commuter.

Greater Kashmir did a series of stories on the issue, and the officials said that the bus stops would be built especially for these buses. However, on the ground, there is no such sign.

The commuters appealed to the authorities to ensure designated bus stops so that smooth traffic flow is ensured.