Transportation

If you read or hear about cities in India, you will definitely hear about traffic and transportation. The biggest consideration is the issue of population scale. But in India, the scale of the vehicle size is small, and the number of people using public or private vehicles is huge. On a Vespa-sized motor scooter it is not uncommon to see 3 adults. It is also used as family transport. One kid on the handlebars, one in between the grown-ups, one behind. Yesterday in Vellore, a scooter was used for livestock transportation; driver, then 3 goats slung over the seat, passenger in back keeping the goats on. Scooter rodeo! In the autos, or tuktuks, about 3 adults can ride in the back seat, but it is not uncommon to see at least 5, with some standing and hanging out the side, like Gene Kelly in the film "Singin' in the Rain."

For the last few days, we have ridden in a large coach bus. When we stop in traffic, the scooter riders and tuktuk passengers look up at us. Both kids and adults are inclined to stare, and want to wave. I am always happy to oblige. I have learned that the observers want me to wave first.

 

City buses are well-used on the outside and inside. The windows are open, there is no air-conditioning. More men than women seem to patronize the bus system, and the women tend to congregate in the front of the bus.  I haven't boarded a public bus, so I am not sure if this is custom, or directed by signs and rules. At rush hours (really anytime) there can be three men to a bench seat, aisles full of standing passengers, including the stairs, and passengers hanging on at the door--again like Gene Kelly.

Ann Hargis & Mary Woods at a Vellore sari shop



Ann Hargis &  Mary Woods with Harish Food Center employees, Vellore

In Vellore, Ann H, Mary W & I were hosted by Dr. Rajamani's mother for a shopping and sightseeing outing. Driving at street-level in a 5 person car is a whole different story! Buses are huge, and seem like they would scrape your mirrors off; crush you against the next vehicle, or worse.  While there are lanes, it is not really a system drivers use here.  There are signs along the roads which read, "Lane discipline saves lives" or "Reckless driving kills." It is common to have in two lanes going one direction-- 2 tuktuks, a small cargo truck, a car and 3 motor scooters.  Most vehicles are so much smaller than a standard sized US car, that they fit. Some of us have turned to the "Chaos theory" to explain the success of it--in chaos there is order. President H compared it to a flock of birds rising to fly--one bird need ,only keep track of the bird on each wing, and the tail of the bird in front. As long as the bird doesn't touch any of these birds, the whole flock is successful as one.





Please check flickr.com "OSU CEAT" for photos.