Reader Response
(India's Smart City Plans Spawn Innovative Ultra Electric Bus Concept)
In the article, “India’s SMART City Plans Spawn Innovative
Ultra Electric Bus Concept from TATA”, Stubbs (2016) shared that Tata Motor’s
Ultra Electric Bus aims to align with India’s Smart City initiatives in India
through revolutionising public transportation. Running fully on electric
energy, and boasting of robust and progressive designs, the bus aims to be a
symbol of India’s dynamic, modern, and interconnected cities. Stubbs (2016)
also pointed out that on the go connectivity such as USB charging ports and
Wi-Fi on board are enabled in order to establish interdependent relationships
with commuters. Additionally, screen graphics and various other aesthetic
details such as a protective technical exoskeleton serve to make the Ultra
Electric Bus easily recognisable and provide commuters with a sense of
reassurance and comfort.
Revolving around user-centric designs and technology, I trust
that the concept of the Electric Bus will gain recognition by commuters as the
bus concept improves the needs of travellers. As we all know, India is infamous
for its traffic jams and poor road infrastructure. Many problems have arised
due to the inefficiency of public transport, such as increased road congestions
as passengers choose to turn to relatively cheaper motorcycles, reduced travel
speed, and major safety issues.
Mahpatra (2016) mentioned that, “due to the increasing
population pressure and lack of space to expand the city infrastructure,
promoting public transport is the only option for many Indian cities”.
Similarly, I believe that in order to entice commuters to use public transport
regularly, it is essential to constantly seek to advance the transportation
system in the country.
One of the key features of the Ultra Electric Bus is that it
runs fully on electric energy. According to the World Health Organisation, in
India, approximately 1.5 million people died from the effects of air pollution
in 2012 (Chatterjee, 2016). This environmental health risk pose a real threat
as prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution can be fatal, especially
to young children and the elderly (Chatterjee, 2016). By switching to
non-polluting electric buses, the problem of air pollution can be greatly
reduced and consequently, an increase in the health of the Indian population.
The existing public transport system in India has been
overwhelmed by the unprecedented increase in demand, resulting in dangerously
overcrowded buses and train carriages. Pucher, Korattyswaroopam, and Ittyerah
(2004) cited inhuman travelling conditions with vehicles carrying more than
twice their maximum design capacity. This poses as a safety risk for passengers
on board. The Ultra Electric Bus features a revamped layout which addresses the
flawed transportation layout in which more passengers to be on board the bus as
compared to regular buses. Furthermore, the revamped layout also allows more
storage space for commuters to travel with greater comfort. This would help
reduce overcrowding in buses and provide a safer and more comfortable means of
transportation for passengers.
Another important feature of the Ultra Electric Bus is that
it is Wifi enabled on board and USB charging ports will be made available. As a
rapidly developing country, ranked number 2 globally in Internet usage, this
feature proves to be extremely relevant and of great importance (Taylor, 2016).
Mohan (2016) pointed out that Internet penetration in India stood at only 22%
and attributed this to poor infrastructure. I believe that the Ultra Electric
Bus could be a game changer in this aspect. By providing Internet coverage and
charging ports, more users can access the Internet on-the-go. This will aid in
establishing a meaningful and interdependent relationship with commuters.
In conclusion, the vivid concept of the Ultra Electric Bus
concurrently embodies pursuit of advanced technology, safety, and hospitality
to commuters during their travels. I believe that these factors would add as a
plus factor to encourage commuters to take the public transport despite the
poor transportation system - a problem the government has yet to rectify.
References
Chatterjee,
P. (2016). India takes steps to curb air pollution. Bulletin of the World
Health
Mahpatra,
S. (2016, April, 25). Mumbai To Get Electric Buses Soon. Retrieved from: https://cleantechnica.com/2016/04/25/mumbai-get-electric-buses-soon/
Mohan,
V. (2016, June 2). India Pips US in Number of Internet Users. Retrieved
from:
Pucher,
J., Korattyswaroopam, N., & Ittyerah, N. (2004). The Crisis of Public
Transport
in
India: Overwhelming Needs but Limited Resources. Journal of Public
Transport,
7(4), 71-113.
Stubbs,
E. (2016, May 11). India’s SMART City Plans Spawn Innovative Ultra Electric
Bus
Concept from TATA. Retrieved from:
http://www.core77.com/posts/52949/Indias-SMART-City-Plans-Spawn-Innovative-Ultra-Electric-Bus-Concept-from-TATA
Taylor,
H. (2016, June 1). Mary Meeker: India now has more Internet users than US.
Retrieved
from:
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