Car-free day and public transport

The World Car Free Day was observed globally on Wednesday. Bangladesh also observed the day. The day was observed to encourage motorists not to use their private cars for a day. The core message is deeper. It is to discourage people to ride private cars frequently. Less use will reduce pollution and congestion. In Dhaka, less than 10 per cent of commuters use private cars. But the cars occupy around 70 per cent of city roads. Thus, the private vehicles become a major cause of traffic congestions.

To reduce use of private cars, attractive alternative is essential. Decent public transport is the only alternative. A bus can carry around 20 times more passengers than a private car. Unfortunately, condition of the public buses is terrible in the country. Little attention has been paid to improve the condition. Without providing better, clean and adequate buses or metro rail service, situation will not improve.

Farzana Naz

Moghbazr, Dhaka

[email protected]