Social distancing takes back seat on SWR trains

MYSURU: While authorities are harping on the importance of social distancing, norms are being thrown to the wind on public transport systems.
Railway authorities are still issuing tickets with adjacent seat numbers although trains especially the ones on Bengaluru-Hubballi, Bengaluru-Shivamogga and Bengaluru-Mysuru routes are running at 10% capacity.
All three seats are being allotted and although frequent travellers are sending numerous requests to railway authorities to make adjustments to the seat matrix, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
Vijaya, deputy general manager and CPRO, South Western Railway told TOI, “Modifying the software which is used to allot seats is very difficult, but we have instructed our staff and TTEs to ensure passengers maintain social distancing. It’s possible since many seats are vacant. We also ensure passengers wear masks and maintain social distancing norms in stations.”
Buses in the city too are ignoring social distancing norms. While the problem isn’t so acute on moffusil buses, ones plying within city limits are another problem altogether. When a bus departs the city bus stand, all procedures including social distancing are followed, but thereafter rules are ignored as passengers occupy seats next to each other.
Nagaraju, city divisional controller, KSRTC, told TOI: “We go all out to ensure all safety measures are maintained. But once the bus departs the bus stand, due to pressure from passengers, our crew have no option but to take more passengers on board.”