A law unto themselves

Let me begin this post by saying that I am completely in favour of buses. They hold the key to making our lives sustainable and they reduce our dependence on costly personal ways to get around town.

But what I find completely unacceptable is the manner in which the buses are driven in India. As someone who has lived in this country for four decades and more, I am familiar with the ways of our people. The bigger guy gets the right of way. The little guy who uses the road does not have a voice. He represents only the fare, if he chooses to use the bus. The question of buses existing for mobility of people is forgotten.

That is the kind of arrogance that one comes across in Chennai. Look at the Metropolitan Transport Corporation bus blocking off the pedestrian corssing in this scene at Periyar Bridge intersection on Anna Salai. There are at least three policemen here on duty all the time. Not one would care to even question such bus drivers. Finally, when government-run buses don't care for the law, will others feel compelled to? You can also see the faded zebra crossing lines in this picture.