By : Thimphu Municipality (Thromde)
Outline of Presenta/on Thimphu Thromde: City facts including Vision, Mission Background Roles and Responsibili>es (Under current scenario) Challenges and issues TT is not directly involved in public transportation sector, hence slight deviation from topic
1. City Facts: Vision: An exemplary Thromde (City) in the region that is culturally vibrant, progressive, safe and livable. Mission statement: i) To provide affordable, equitable, efficient municipal services and facilities ii) To promote Bhutanese socio- culture, economy, environmental image and financial sustainability of the Thromde Municipal area : 26 sq.km Popula>on : 0.12 million Urban growth : 4-5 % annually Total length of Road : 250 km Cons>tuencies : 7
2. Background In the 1970s, public transport had just begun. Buses were all Govt- owned and few taxis were in opera>on then. No private operators. Public transport within the Thimphu city was first ini>ated in 1999 by Thimphu Municipality. Ini>ally started with just 4 buses. Responsibility was transferred to Bhutan Post, a Govt. owned Agency in 2001. Bhutan Post now operates over 20 buses. Bus and Taxi fares are regulated by RSTA including registra>on, licensing of bus routes, etc.
Cont 2... Total length of road within city : over 250 Kms. Presently, 10 major bus routes in opera>on. About 3000 taxis are plying within the city. Taxis have pick & drop facili>es at strategic loca>ons and few designated slots exclusively reserved for taxis where no parking fees are levied. About 1400 parking slots along main streets, where parking fees are collected. 100 designated temporary bus stops along main routes but no dedicated bus bays for stoppages. Compliance of Road Safety & Transport Act, 1999
3. Current Roles & Responsibili/es Provide adequate parking spaces : On- street and off- street. Install Traffic control devices such as : Traffic signages, road pavement markings, islands /roundabouts in consulta@on with Traffic Division/RBP & RSTA. Provide Highway ligh>ng to ensure safety at night. Resurface roads on regular intervals to improve comfort, convenience to motorists, reduce accidents. Construct new roads and missing road links to ensure be_er connec>vity. Operate and manage parking contracts. Construct proper road- side drainages.
Cont.3. Construct Pedestrian footpaths, Underpasses etc. Provide Zebra crossings/ road bumps to ensure pedestrian safety. Provide Bus- shelters/ stops at designated loca>ons on behalf of Bhutan Post. Provide cycle- tracks where possible. Construct Mul>- level Car Parking( MLCP) facili>es at 2 loca>ons: approx 570 slots. A_end stakeholders mee>ng (Road Safety & Traffic Coordina>on Commi_ee): RSTA, RBP (Traffic Division), MoH, DoR & TT and carry out remedial measures. Traffic streamlining- - - decongest road stretches where necessary.
4. Issues and Challenges No clear mandates or defined responsibilities for the municipality on urban transport. Limited expertise to carry out traffic engineering related studies. No long- term Action plans developed on Urban transport. Switch- over to more environmentally friendly means of public transport system. (e.g Electric Vehicle) Encourage Private sector involvement to help reduce public funding requirements (e.g. MLCP on PPP model)
Cont 4. Need to develop a sound traffic management policy and guidelines on urban transport. Need to establish good coordination and linkages with other traffic stakeholders. Undertake feasibility study : other forms of transport (such as tri- cycles, autos, non- motorized transport, etc) considering steep terrain. No revenue from vehicles/ transport available to meet road maintenance costs & other associated costs. Financing transportation system not yet developed: current maintenance expenses being met from Internal revenue Good, reliable and sustainable Public transport: A necessity!!
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