Mangaluru: Unauthorized bus stops at signals fuel traffic woes and safety concerns

In a concerning trend, some buses in the city are stopping at traffic signals to allow passengers to board and alight, posing a significant safety risk. Passengers getting on and off buses at signals have led to numerous accidents, especially in high-traffic areas.

The Lalbagh Junction, which is consistently congested, has seen a surge in such incidents. Passengers traveling from Lalbagh toward Bejai are often seen alighting at the signal near Big Bazaar, even though there is an official bus stop nearby.

Similarly, vehicles heading toward Ladyhill see a similar issue, with some passengers asking to be dropped at the signal instead of using the nearby bus stop, according to locals. This often places passengers in harm’s way, as vehicles behind the bus may fail to brake in time, increasing the chances of collisions.

The situation is no different at PVS Junction. Despite having a designated bus stop nearby, several buses halt at the signal, allowing passengers to board and alight. This issue is particularly prominent with buses heading to destinations like Udupi and Kundapur. When the signal is green, buses intending to avoid stopping at signals further along their route occasionally halt abruptly on M.G. Road after passing PVS, posing sudden hazards to vehicles following behind.

Previously, Hampankatta Junction had an arrangement for passengers to board and alight near the bus stop, but this was suspended due to heavy traffic congestion in recent years. Despite this, some buses continue to stop at the junction to board and drop off passengers, worsening traffic flow.

Smart Signal Systems and Safety Issues

The city has installed smart signal systems at several major junctions, which give a warning five seconds before changing, often catching drivers off-guard. The practice of buses boarding and dropping passengers at these signals only exacerbates the risk of accidents, as it leaves little time for vehicles to respond to sudden stops.

Authorities are urged to address this growing safety concern and ensure that buses only use designated stops for boarding and alighting, thus reducing unnecessary risks to passengers and other road users.