KOCHI: The Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), a Kochi-based think tank is planning to launch a year-long campaign to encourage the use of public transport in Kochi.
‘Public Transport Day’ will be observed every month as part of the campaign that envisions to radically transform urban mobility and ease the burden on existing and planned public transport in Kochi. To this end, CPPR, which had initiated several studies and was part of several meetings on public transport in Kochi, will hold a preliminary meeting at 3 pm at the Ernakulam Guest House on Monday.
The meeting to be attended by Hibi Eden MLA and Mayor Soumini Jain will select the members of the organising committee to oversee the campaign and kickstart the dialogue process. “The campaign being a collaborative exercise, CPPR appeals to all civil society groups, residents associations, academic institutions and interested parties to be part of this endeavour,” a release said here.
“The public transport system of Kochi is experiencing revolutionary changes. The Vyttila Mobility Hub, the Kochi Metro and the upcoming Water Metro bear testimony to this fact. An effective public transport system necessitates the synchronisation of various factors and delivery of public infrastructure.
The local administration, civil society organisations and, above all, the residents of Kochi should come together to bring about a change in the way public transport is perceived and utilised in Kochi,” the CPPR said, explaining the need to bring awareness on having the ‘Public Transport Day’.