Hyderabad: Commuters flout queue rule at metros

Hyderabad: With the me-first attitude of commuters, self-discipline is taking a toll when entering and exiting metro trains, especially at stations like Ameerpet and Miyapur. The moment the train doors open, one can see everyone rushing to grab for seats.

Despite having specific demarcations (yellow lines), in an attempt to secure seats in the train, passengers who board the train are not letting people to exit first. Instructions to stand at the demarcated yellow line on the platform for entry and exit are being ignored by commuters and the limited staff and security have a tough time enforcing the rule.

“Initially, people used to at least let the commuters come out, but now you can see everyone rushing to grab seats. It is still bearable, but the crowd is increasing, so it is better that we commuters start following the queue system.” said K Sharanya, student and commuter at Ameerpet station.

When the metro was inaugurated at the Ameerpet interchanging station, six extra staffers were employed to ensure that people were allowed to get off the train first. However, soon the number of staffers reduced.

Another commuter, Yashwant Kumar from Miyapur to Ameerpet said “When the metro was launched, I wondered if people would religiously follow queues, but unfortunately they were forced to form queues by these security guards. Even educated people rush to grab seats. Anyway, the journey is not terrible, it is alright to stand as the speed also increases and the train runs more frequently”.

Metros in countries like Japan and Singapore have disciplined public who queue up in an order when entering and exiting without any official asking them to do so. With 80,000 people travelling per day and maximum of 500-600people a trip, commuters urge people to queue up. HMR officials state they would take measures to improve crowd behaviour.