The seven-member team from Tamil Nadu state transport corporation that travelled along with the 45-member delegation, comprising transport officials from across the country, to Australia, has returned home enriched with loads of knowledge on public transportation after visiting three cities in Australia and is expected to submit a detailed report shortly.
The Australian government subsidises travel fares of commuters, after having entrusted public transportation to private operators, a senior delegate told DC.
“We shuttled between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane during the weeklong tour which would be very handy while implementing new schemes, with modifications, in our state,” opines the official.
Commuters in Sydney depend on buses and ferries, while Melbourne efficiently operates trams with good patronage.
“All buses, operated by private operators, collect only a reasonable fare and additional expenses are compensated by the government,” he explained.
Another delegate said, “The unique feature is that buses in all Australian cities are operated only on compressed natural gas which is environment-friendly and cost-effective.”
The delegates are awaiting a detailed report from association of state road transport undertakings, which organised the trip, after which they would incorporate their views and forward it to the state government.