Each tiny fleck
When easterners debate environmental issues, they are not being honest. A German city proves how individuals can make a difference

It snowed today, that is February 16, and I left the guesthouse early so as not to miss the class at the International Institute for Journalism, Berlin, where I am pursuing a two-month course in multimedia. Peter Berger, my faculty, possesses a great sense of humour, but has no humour for late arrivals. And so, off I must be to the institute, in spite of snow.

When I reach the bus stop, expecting traffic jam and delay in buses, I find to my surprise that my bus, M44, arrives exactly at the time mentioned in the chart at the bus stop. Yes, the buses, trams and trains run by minute precision. So if you tell your friend you will meet him at MacDonalds in 35 minutes, you can afford to keep your commitment. How does it impact the environment, you may ask. Well, there's little wastage of oil in traffic snarls. And also, since you that the buses are so precise, you can afford to use public transport without any hassle. So there are moms with their babies in prams, young students on bicycles, elderly ladies and gentlemen with ferocious dogs, all at peace in the buses and trains.

Did I say cyclists? Yes, that's an interesting phenomenon I have noticed — you can travel some distance, along with your cycle, on a train.

Another reason why you can use public transport is the ambience you can expect. The drivers — the majority of them seem above 40 — are the first welcome sign on buses. The sense of purpose on their faces is most heartening. Each doing his duty with a sense of mission, rather than as drudgery, is a welcome change from the driving display on Indian roads, where frustration is quite evident in driving skills. Notice the German drivers maneuver the long buses with agility, their patience in letting the elderly get down, and their pleasant posture when in small communication with commuters.

The interiors themselves provide an interesting experience. So if you are a mother, you are expected to carry it in a pram, and stand next to it in a space assigned to prams. The elderly get a low seat and the youngsters get a higher seat. However, there's no clamour for seats and I have seen many seats going empty, as youth prefer to stand, chat, and even read. In Germany, reading is a common pastime in transport, not a fad.

That's for those using public transport. The youngsters prefer to be on cycles, and can safely pedal after dark. There are special cycle tracks on footpath, and you tread on one at your own risk. The Germans take pride in their cycling culture. More than they do in their BMWs perhaps.

By the way, I have not noticed too many cars on the roads. Those who must use their personal vehicle, go for tiny cars. Flaunting sedans is not the German way, the country which has given the world so many luxury cars.

Finally, one more reason why we can use public transport — it's spick and span. Each individual takes care to keep the roads and public transport clean. I see a dedicated team of workers clean the railway station each day. I see machines at overwork the day it snows heavily, and I see an elderly gentleman pick up the sole cigarette stub dropped by a commuter. When each individual does his bit, keeping the world a greener and cleaner place becomes easier. Are we, Indians, ready to accommodate some responsibilities with our rights?