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Metro bid to instill values in commuters
23, August, 2008

New Delhi: After 18,000 prosecutions by flying squads failed to show much of a visible change in behaviour of Delhi Metro users, the corporation has tied up with the Foundation for Restoration of National Values (FRNV) with the aim of instilling better values and making passengers behave in a more disciplined manner.

With Metro ridership soaring over the 8 lakh mark, ensuring discipline on the system and keeping the trains and stations clean is turning out to be a difficult task for Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Each flying squad conducts several surprise checks at Metro stations and in trains on a daily basis, but even this doesn't seem to be enough. "Crores of rupees are being spent to employ 25-50 persons per station to keep it clean. Special guards have been recruited at busy stations just to ensure that people enter the trains in queues and allow passengers to deboard first,'' explained Anuj Dayal, DMRC's chief PRO.

Now, DMRC and FRNV are planning to change the way Delhiites perceive the Metro system and instil a sense of pride about the "worldclass'' facility which the city has got, which people need to use with care. The efficient running of the system requires involvement of all users as well as those who are responsible for different aspects of operations and maintenance. The Value Guide program will involve volunteer commuters, called "Metro Champions'' who will discipline the others on effective use of the Metro. For this, those interested in becoming Metro Champions can send in their details to DMRC at metrovaluechampions@gmail.com.

The corporation will screen all entries and selected persons will undergo training at Metro's training school where they will be told how to check others. DMRC is also planning to train the volunteers in self defence so that they are confident even if they face aggression from other commuters. FRNV has an advisory board comprised of former CJI MN Venkatachaliah, Tata group chairman Ratan Tata, former chief vigilance commissioner N Vittal and former NCW chairperson Vibha Parthasarathi.

Source: Times of India