Ms C Shikha, Managing Director, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation said that increasing safety awareness and implementation of protocols are imperative to gain passenger confidence. "We have a very swift SOP which we follow, and we are working towards increasing public awareness. Digital ticketing with QR codes will be made compulsory by next week. As of now we have 50 percent of buses operating on this model," she said.

Dr Raj Shekhar, Managing Director, Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation while highlighting the aspects to regain passenger confidence said, "We can't neglect the necessary safety provisions and are ensuring the same for the commuters. He added that there is a need to take a holistic approach on opening of intermodal transportation as it will play a crucial role in increasing ridership levels.

Mr Palash Roy Chowdhury, Co-Chairman, FICCI Taskforce on Future of Mobility and CMD, SmartE said, "We must follow a 3-step procedure for building commuter confidence like cashless transaction, thermal scanners and the use of Aarogya Setu Aap." He said that electric vehicle technology across public transport infrastructure must be adopted.

"Witnessing the positive impact on environment due to lockdown, the government could consider promoting the usage of locally manufactured electric vehicles in public transportation segment," added Mr Chowdhury.

Mr Prasanna Patwardhan, President Bus and Operators Confederation on India (BOCI) and CMD, Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions Pvt Ltd highlighted the various issues being faced by the private bus operators due to the COVID-19 crisis and urged the government to kindly consider financial stimulus to support the industry.

Mr Nishant Arya, Executive Director, JBM Group and Chairman, Linde Wiemann Gmbh said that technology will play a crucial role in ensuring public safety while travelling in public transportation. "OEMs, operators and STUs should work together in building a safe, green and efficient public transportation ecosystem. 

Ms Rupa Nandy, Head, UITP said that the measures taken towards transportation across the world are different, but technology has played the most important part in making the process touchless.

The webinar was moderated by Mr Jagannarayan Padmanabhan, Practice Leader and Director -Transport and Logistics, CRISIL Infrastructure Advisory and was well attended by key stakeholders of the industry