In a significant move affecting daily commutes, the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) has officially announced it will halt its school bus services starting April 1. The decision was ratified by the corporation's board of directors, marking a shift in the public transport landscape for students in Shillong.
STEMS Emerges as the Primary Alternative
Addressing the public on Thursday, the Managing Director of MTC directed parents towards an alternative. The corporation advised the general public to consider enrolling with the Sustainable Transport and Efficient Mobility Society (STEMS) for school transportation needs. STEMS, incorporated by the Meghalaya government in 2022, was established with the goal of revolutionizing urban commute through modern solutions.
The society's mandate is to provide transport that is safe, sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective. A substantial government investment has been made into this initiative to ensure high standards of service and passenger safety.
Tackling Shillong's Traffic Nightmare
This transition comes against the backdrop of severe traffic congestion in Shillong, described as an urban nightmare for commuters and office-goers. Peak traffic gridlock consistently occurs during school hours, specifically between 8 am to 10 am and 2 pm to 4 pm.
A key contributor to the congestion has been the absence of an efficient public transport system connecting various localities to the main city arteries. This gap has forced a majority of office-goers to rely on private vehicles, exacerbating traffic woes.
Government's Strategic Move for Efficient Mobility
The government-initiated STEMS public transport system was designed precisely to address these challenges. Its core objectives include:
- Enhancing mobility for school students.
- Reducing traffic congestion during peak school hours.
- Promoting sustainable and safe transportation.
- Improving overall connectivity for citizens.
- Benefiting the environment by lowering emissions.
By focusing on school transport, STEMS aims to directly target one of the primary causes of daily traffic jams. The service is part of a broader vision to develop and implement transport solutions that can decongest Shillong's roads and provide a reliable commuting experience for its residents.
