Explained: What is Odisha’s Mo Bus, recipient of the UN’s prestigious public service award?

What is the News?

The United Nations(UN) has awarded ten global initiatives with the prestigious UN Public Service Award (UNPSA).

Odisha’s public transport service ‘Mo Bus’ is one of those recipients. It has been given this award for its role in “promoting gender-responsive public services to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)”.

What is Mo Bus Service?

Launched by: Odisha Government in 2018

What is it? Mo Bus is a public transport bus service launched with the aim to ensure the transformation of the urban public transport scenario in the city and its hinterland.

The Mo buses are designed to integrate smart technologies such as free onboard Wi-Fi service, digital announcements, surveillance cameras, and electronic ticketing.

An e-Rickshaw system called “Mo E-Ride” is also introduced as a last-mile feeder service to Mo Bus. 

What is the impact of the launch of Mo Bus Service?

Firstly, 57% of the commuters in the city are now using Mo Bus.

Secondly, it is estimated that the Mo E-Ride will promote a green, sustainable transportation solution with an estimated pollution reduction of 30 – 50%.

Thirdly, 40% of Mo Bus conductors are women and 100% of Mo E-Ride drivers are women, transgender people and people from disadvantaged communities.

What are UN Public Service Awards?

Launched in: 2003

Purpose: To identify excellence in delivering public service, which further promotes effectiveness, inclusiveness, and transparency to achieve the region’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and award 10 of them.

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: What is Odisha’s Mo Bus, recipient of the UN’s prestigious public service award?” published in Indian Express on 24th June 2022.