Commuters were met with placards that read 'Thank You for Taking the Bus'.
The morning rush hour was unusually cheerful for commuters who took the bus to work in Cyberabad, the IT hub of Hyderabad. "Thank you for taking the bus," commended a wave of placards attached to techies, committed to changing the world offline as well.
The volunteers are part of a new campaign for a 'Car-Free Thursday' launched by the Hyderabad Software Exporters Association, in partnership with the Telangana government, asking people to use public transport at least once a week.
"If out of the 50-60,000 cars, we can get at least 20,000 off the road over the next few weeks, I would count that as a big success," said Ramesh Loganathan, president of the Hyderabad Software Exporters Association.
Special buses have been organised on all major routes leading to Cyberabad to prove that driving is really not worth the headache. Bus fares range from Rs 7 to 35 for a non-airconditioned ride.
Shruti who works for Novartis said the campaign persuaded her to walk to office with a friend. "I have a desk job, so the walk is good exercise. Besides, I am happy I am able to be part of a green cause," she said.
Senior Information Technology architect JA Chowdary, said it is time to stop waiting for the government to end pollution and traffic problems, and "take responsibility ourselves."
"Our cities have become dangerous to live in. We need to start making a beginning somewhere and this is a great new way to start a new lifestyle," he says.
Others said they are avid cyclists and would be happy to bike to work, especially if they motivate the government to create special cycling lanes.
Srikanth Shetty, CEO of Excent, said he was used to cycling while he worked in Europe. "Last six months, I have shifted here and I am now determined to cycle to work and encourage my colleagues too."