Despite Metro & Local Trains, One-Third Of Mumbai Still Lacks Proper Public Transport Access

Mumbai, known for its extensive public transport network, including a well-connected metro and local train system, faces a significant challenge in providing adequate access to all its residents. A recent study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has revealed that nearly one-third of Mumbai’s population lacks proper access to public transport, highlighting a critical issue in urban mobility.

Understanding the Public Transport Landscape in Mumbai

Mumbai’s public transport system is often hailed as one of the best in India. The city’s metro and local trains are considered lifelines for millions of commuters. However, the findings from the IIT Bombay study, which surveyed access to buses, metro stations, and suburban trains, indicate that there is a significant portion of the population that is underserved.

Key Findings from the IIT Bombay Study

The study, led by Gopal R Patil, a professor at IIT Bombay, alongside Dr. Rakhi Manohar Mepprambath from A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing in Singapore, and research scholar Manish Yadav, uncovered some alarming statistics:

• Approximately 3.95 million people, or 31.8% of Mumbai’s population, live in areas with poor access to public transport.
• 6.5 million people (52.2%) reside in high transit gap zones, where the demand for public transport exceeds available services.
• 1.7 million people (13.6%) live in ‘transit deserts,’ where access to public transport is severely limited.

The Impact on Vulnerable Populations

The study highlights that slum residents are disproportionately affected by inadequate public transport access. While 31.4% of the non-slum population enjoys good transport access, only 17.3% of slum residents have similar access. This disparity underscores the socio-economic challenges faced by low-income families in the city.

Public Transport Accessibility Levels (PTAL)

The researchers introduced the concept of Public Transport Accessibility Levels (PTAL) to measure how well different areas are connected to public transport. This metric considers factors such as proximity to stops, service frequency, and reliability. The study also assessed transit gaps, which indicate the mismatch between supply and demand for public transport, and the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), which reflects the socio-economic challenges faced by various population groups.

Areas Most Affected by Poor Public Transport Access

According to the findings, 32.5% of highly vulnerable individuals, including slum residents and low-income families, live in regions characterized by both low PTAL and high transit gaps. Areas such as M East (Govandi), P North (Malad), S (Bhandup), and T (Mulund) consistently record poor PTAL scores. In contrast, affluent neighborhoods in southern and western Mumbai enjoy well-connected bus, metro, and rail networks.

Proposed Solutions for Improving Public Transport Access

The researchers suggest that simply adding more routes and stations is not sufficient to address the issue. Instead, they recommend targeted interventions for neighborhoods that rank low in both PTAL and SVI. Key recommendations include:

• Improving last-mile connectivity to ensure residents can easily reach public transport hubs.
• Increasing service frequency in underserved areas to meet the demand for public transport.
• Enhancing coordination between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to streamline efforts in improving public transport access.

Conclusion

The findings from the IIT Bombay study provide a sobering look at the state of public transport in Mumbai. Despite the city’s reputation for having a robust transport network, a significant portion of the population remains underserved. Addressing these gaps is crucial for ensuring equitable access to public transport for all residents, particularly those in vulnerable communities.

Note: The insights from this study highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve public transport access in Mumbai, ensuring that all residents can benefit from the city’s transport infrastructure.