Vehicles of change

Trolleybus service

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In the recent years, Nepal Government has made efforts to widen the roads of Kathmandu to reduce traffic congestion. Existing roads are being expanded with additional link roads and sidewalks. The well-designed and connected roads shape people's movement and accentuate the importance of various places around the city. Roads also shape the transportation systems that cater to the people's needs. It is the interaction and movement of people that gives life to any city. It is said that roads in cities are like blood vessels of humans. Government bears the responsibility of designing the architecture of roads and transportation system, which depends on how it wants people to move around.

However, this well-intentioned government attempt has not gone as planned. The pavements are too narrow or have holes, forcing people on to the roads. The expansion drive also completely overlooks the importance of dedicated lane for public transport and bicycle paths. Streets are unfriendly to those walking and cycling. It gives a general sense to people that the roads are designed for those who can afford private vehicles.

Government data reveals that nearly 30 percent of the daily commuters use public transport, which is served by only three percent of vehicle fleet in Kathmandu. The public transport system is in a chaotic and miserable state. It's a nightmare for those making a journey on a daily basis, especially during rush hours. The distribution of public vehicles around the city is uneven and often inadequate. The fierce competition among vehicle owners makes it worse; not to mention the condition of these vehicles and facilities they provide.

Reintroducing the once popular trolleybuses can be an innovative way to rescue city's public transportation system. The government initiated the trolleybus service in 1975 in the Tripureshwor-Suryabinayak section but poor management forced it to shut down in 2009. Another popular public bus service, Sajha Yatayat, is making a gradual comeback but in the private syndicate infested business it has a long way to go. Without the government's preferential treatment, Sajha is unlikely to survive competition with the private operators. Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport should consider these options in its plan to enhance Kathmandu's public transport system.

The 27-kilometer ring road circling the core city of Kathmandu is getting a massive facelift with support of Chinese government. The initial phase of 9.5 kilometres has begun at the Koteshwar-Kalanki segment. It is crucial that at this initial stage the government renegotiates the design with the Chinese to imbed the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) trolleybus facilities with a dedicated lane. It will save costs and bring efficiency. BRT is a bus-based mass transit system that is highly efficient and cost effective system to transport people through a dedicated lane.

After recent road expansions, there is even more reason for the reintroduction of trolleybus. Trolleybuses in the ring road, and efficient road network in inner areas of city, will serve millions. BRT trolleybus systems have already been popular in other countries. For instance, Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have excellent trolleybus systems. Why can't those good practices be replicated in our ring road when the Chinese themselves are upgrading the road?

At a time the government is preparing a national policy for low carbon and resilient economy, rethinking public transport is in national interest. Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) under the guidance of Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (MoSTE) is steering a discussion on draft Low Carbon Economic Development Strategy (LCEDS). Since this strategy conceives of transportation as one of the major intervention sectors, trolleybus could indeed make a credible comeback.

Nepal, being a party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, can also look for opportunities at the international level in order to attract financing and technological support for projects that reduces carbon emission and builds resilience. For an oil importing country, electricity powered trolleybuses is the best-fit. If energy supply is an issue then a dedicated solar plant can provide uninterrupted electricity. It takes no time to build and operate one. Again this can be prioritized as the LCEDS project.

Government should phase in trolleybuses and Sajha Yatayat with a phase out option available for smaller and polluting vehicles. Initially, this plan may be perceived as impractical and against private operators. However, in the long run big, efficient, timely and systematic service will have much to offer. The traffic congestion will significantly improve and the city will be lot less polluted. Scientifically designed and disciplined public transportation also brings aesthetic value to the city. Human resources can be sourced from displaced vehicles without hampering our employment condition.

Public transport must be designed to move people in an efficient, low cost, timely and healthy manner. BRT trolleybus system combined with Sajha Yatayat can revolutionize public transportation system of Kathmandu. It is never too late.

The author is Network Coordinator of Climate Action Network Nepal rajupc80@hotmail.com