Policy Beyond Mobility

In this episode, we dive into the world of Shared Intermediate Public Transport (IPT) , the shared autos, taxis, and vikrams that are the de facto public transport in small and medium Indian cities. Despite their essential role in providing transportation services, the mainstream policy framework fails to adequately support the operational model of shared IPT. We discuss the legal conflict created...

In busy Indian cities, getting around can be challenging. We deal with problems like traffic congestion, pollution, and the constant struggle to find convenient transport options. The rapid growth of India’s urban population has triggered an increased demand for transport in the cities and surrounding areas, with commuters taking multiple long trips each day. This has also meant an augmented need...

Urban vehicular pollution has become a critical issue in the contemporary world, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanisation and the concentration of human activities in metropolitan areas. When discussing urban pollution, we tend to concentrate more on the air, sound and water pollution in urban areas. But it is equally important to delve into other attributes that influence and worsen the al...

With many cities now having metro systems, there has been recent debates of the viability of metro systems specially in those cities where Bus Rapid Transit System was first implemented. The ridership in metro systems in most Indian cities are lower than what is projected. However, some experts suggest the debate over bus versus Metro rail is unnecessary and cities should get the benefit of having...

In this podcast episode, we delve into the often overlooked topic of public transportation systems and what drives individuals to use them. The speaker, LIuis, kicks off the discussion by explaining the concepts of pull and push factors in public transport. Push factors, which force commuters to utilise public transportation, are examined in depth. The conversation then delves into policy initiati...

In this episode of "Policy Beyond Mobility," featuring Ms Sonal Shah, we delve into the critical aspect of gender-sensitive mobility, exploring how we can make transportation safer and more inclusive for women. Based on a decade of research and data,  four key entry points to address this issue effectively have been identified. 1. Data for policymaking, programmes, and projects: Data pla...

Electric vehicles (EVs) are making waves in India. The Indian government has shown a strong commitment to promoting EVs. Programmes such as the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) and the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) schemes have been instrumental in providing financial incentives and subsidies to promote the adoption of EVs. However, the exp...

Interest in Gender Segregated Transport (GST) in ride-hailing is evident not just in survey results but also in the increased emergence of transportation start-ups that specialise in GST around the world. Yet, GST remains heavily debated both in terms of its benefits to women and its efficacy within broader transport systems. Proponents claim that it helps meet women’s urgent needs for safe transp...

In this podcast, the speaker, Ravi Gadepalli, delves into the topic of 'Advancing Public Transport System in India.' India's public transport is vital for the mobility, livelihood, and recreation of a large population, particularly in congested urban areas. State governments play a key role in the system, operating bus services through State Transport Undertakings (STUs). However, the...