Commute

22,January 2025, New Delhi: Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC), along with City Sabha, Raahgiri Foundation, and Safetipin, announced the launch of the Delhi Sustainable Mobility Charter, or the Dilli Charter, under the Sustainable Mobility Network — a citizen-driven initiative to reimagine Delhi’s transport system and demand actionable solutions for improving urban mobility, combating air pollution, and fostering inclusivity. Delhi is home to over 33.8 million people—a bustling, historically rich and complex city. Lately, however, this home has increasingly become uninhabitable for many. From suffocating air pollution to rising heatwaves, crumbling transport systems, and unsafe public spaces, the very essence…

For low-income communities in Bengaluru, buses are a lifeline. The recent hike of 15% in BMTC bus fares has made commuting more expensive, especially for those traveling long distances. Babu V, a clothes vendor, travels everyday by bus from Kengeri to Vijayanagar. “It takes me an hour to commute,” he says. His ticket fare has increased from Rs 25 to Rs 28. “I don’t think this is a good move. I have to pay extra every month from my earnings.” Fayaz Ali, a market vendor, who has seen his daily fare rise from Rs 20 to Rs 23, points out…

Smartphones have almost become indispensable in our daily lives. The many mobile apps that we use every day are continuously growing and provide assistance for different purposes, including transportation.  From navigating city streets, hailing a taxi, to booking tickets, smartphone apps are simplifying our commutes in many ways. By offering tools that streamline our journeys, smartphone apps enhance the commuter experience and also play a vital role in alleviating traffic congestion and reducing pollution. They help users find the shortest, cheapest, and least congested routes, making daily travel more efficient. There are an array of popular transportation apps, such Google…

Priyanshu Jain, an MBA student at Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA) in Ahmedabad, tragically lost his life in a road rage incident on November 11th. The 23-year-old was stabbed by Virendrasinh Padheriya, a head constable in the city, following an altercation. Padheriya, who has a criminal past, was later apprehended from Punjab. Priyanshu's family and friends are devastated by his death, and both his hometown of Meerut and citizens in Ahmedabad are demanding justice. A series of protests have been organised, including a silent march, a candlelight vigil, and a peaceful hunger strike. Pranav Jain, his cousin, describes Priyanshu as…

Crowded buses, with passengers jostling for space, are common on Chennai's roads. The city has many public transport users, including college students and people commuting daily for work. Share autos play a crucial role in providing last-mile connectivity, helping passengers travel from bus stops and MRTS stations to their final destinations. These share autos fill the gap by making multiple stops between bus stations, schools, colleges, and other key locations. However, the share auto system has its shortcomings, the most notable being that it is unreliable. Share auto drivers often decide daily whether to stop at a specific location. If…

Maharashtra, one of India’s most urbanised States, faces a transportation crisis that has snowballed into a public health, environmental, and economic challenge. With over half its population residing in urban areas, Maharashtra is home to 28 municipal corporations — the highest in the country. Cities like Mumbai and Pune are struggling with the relentless surge in vehicle ownership, which has led to traffic congestion, alarming pollution levels, and a steep rise in road crashes.  Despite these pressing concerns, many cities have pursued an approach focused on expanding road infrastructure, relying on flyovers and highways to absorb traffic overflow. However, experts…

As the Maharashtra state elections get underway, the daily struggles of Mumbai's citizens, especially their commuting woes, seem to be overlooked in the electoral discourse. Political parties are focusing on massive infrastructure projects, sidelining the city's lifelines like the Railways and the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking in favour of the Metro Rail. Despite being partially operational, the Metro has yet to make a significant impact. Surveys reveal that 52% of Mumbaikars walk to work, yet on many roads, pedestrian infrastructure remains neglected, encroached upon, and unusable. While traffic congestion has made commuting a nightmare, trains are perennially…

Road crashes and related fatalities have surged in metros like Bengaluru and often human behaviour may be responsible for raising the risk of traffic accidents. Since 2021, the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit (JHUI) and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, have been conducting roadside observational studies in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region to assess human behaviour-related risks for road crashes. The ensuing report, 'Status Summary Report-Road Safety Risk Factors' highlights the prevalence of speeding, incorrect use of helmets, improper seat belt and child restraint use, and drink-driving. Dr Gautham M Sukumar,…

Maharashtra is at a critical juncture in its urban development. As cities expand and populations grow more diverse, the state's transportation infrastructure struggles to keep pace. Rising pollution, worsening congestion, and increasing social inequities have escalated from issues of inefficiency to a full-blown crisis. As the 2024 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections approach, these mobility challenges require urgent action. Also Read: Local and ethical candidates only, Govandi citizens tell political parties ahead of elections To address this, Parisar, Waatavaran, and Young Leaders for Active Citizenship (YLAC), with support from the Sustainable Mobility Network (SMN), have co-drafted the Maharashtra Urban Mobility Charter…

According to the 2016 Comprehensive Mobility Plan by the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, 51% of trips in Mumbai are by walking. Notably, 72.5% of trips to educational institutions and 60% of trips involving public transport start and end with walking. Despite these figures, Mumbai's infrastructure is not pedestrian-friendly, and road safety remains a significant concern. Recent projects like the coastal road and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link prioritise cars over pedestrians. Elections and pedestrians' needs With the assembly elections approaching, the Walking Project, an NGO that works towards creating a safe, convenient, and enjoyable walking experience, has released its…