Setback for commuters as Metro bus service withdrawn again

The Metro bus service, which was partially resumed in December last year, has unfortunately been withdrawn again. The Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) project, built at a cost of nearly Rs 550 crore, had a fleet of 92 buses. The dedicated route was designed to alleviate traffic congestion and pollution.

The bus service was started in the year 2016 under the Central Government project. Initially facing a few hiccups as infrastructure was incomplete, the bus service had gradually grown popular among residents.

However, the first major trouble came in July 2023 when the bus service, despite having a daily ridership of 45,000 passengers, was stopped. Though partial services were resumed on the route till Chehharta in December last year, residents had hoped that the government would revive the public transport system to address traffic chaos and pollution.

For students and working people, the Metro bus service was a lifeline. It was an economical and convenient way to commute to schools, colleges and workplaces. Many students, who relied on the Metro bus service to reach their educational institutions, are now forced to spend more on private transportation, adding to their financial burden.

The Metro bus service was not only a cost-effective option but also a reliable one. It helped reduce traffic congestion and pollution, making the city a better place to live. The discontinuation of the service has left residents disappointed and concerned about the lack of efficient public transportation in the city.

“The city at present has no convenient public transport. Auto rickshaws are the only means available, but these lead to traffic chaos. Restarting the bus service would be a boon for the city,” expressed Joginder Singh, a senior citizen.

With a growing population and increasing traffic congestions, a reliable public transport system is essential to reduce pollution and make cities more livable. The government needs to take immediate action to revive the Metro bus service or provide alternative public transportation options to meet the needs of the city’s residents, they added.