Importance of Efficient and Affordable Urban Mass Transport

Mass transportation is the movement of people within a certain area by using group travel transportation systems such as buses, metro, trains, etc. Mass transport allows for more efficient movement of people along the same transit channel. As the expenditures are shared by numerous individuals, that’s why shared expenditure might result in lower transportation costs per person. For cost-saving companies or non-profit government or quasi-government bodies can own mass transportation systems. Many mass transportation systems, whether public or private, are subsidized to ensure that public transit is available. Mass transit helps cities become more efficient and pleasant places to live. The function of public transit in sustaining urban life varies per city and is mostly determined by the role of its main rival, the private vehicle.

According to World Bank, by 2017 India’s population living in urban areas is 34% and According to the UN, it is also expected that by 2030, 40.76% of the total population of India is expected to reside in urban areas.

Due to the sheer growing rate of urbanization, the issue of transportation in our cities is becoming more prominent. Massive traffic congestion delays urban mobility. That delay may have a substantial impact on the economy and the quality of life of city residents. The management and development of urban infrastructure rely heavily on the urban mass transportation system. In the absence of a well-developed mass urban transportation system, cities will become more reliant on private transportation, which will result in severe congestion and traffic jams, as well as severe environmental degradation due to excessive emissions and noise from traffic.

Some of the Benefits of Urban mass transit:

1. Benefits to Health

Pollution is a key contributor to health concerns in nations like India. When travelling, the bulk of health problems are caused by breathing filthy air. In the long run, this health condition has the potential to erode economic resources. Commuters are more likely to avoid damaging road transport systems if an efficient transportation option is available. Automobiles produce substantial volumes of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants, making them a major pollutant source. More than half of the carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, as well as more than a quarter of the hydrocarbons, were released into the atmosphere by transportation. Increased use of mass transit can help to reduce air quality and the wellness benefits that come with it.

2. Promotes Agglomerations and Clusters

Public transportation upgrades may boost economic productivity by allowing cities, downtowns, and industrial clusters to develop and densify, boosting external agglomeration economies. The high use of private automobiles in major urban areas might hinder growth. By allowing more people to live closer together in greater density projects, well-planned transportation may overcome this barrier and encourage agglomerations.

3. Enhances Employment and Labor Force Accessibility

In terms of mobility and sustainability, public transportation accessibility has become more important in the design and evaluation of transit systems. Besides the transit system itself, public transportation’s perceived accessibility has a considerable impact on life happiness. Another economic consequence of transportation upgrades is the increased number of workers available on the employment market.

4. Increasing the number of productive man-hours

The benefits of taking public transit extend beyond cost savings on gas, parking, and other car-related expenditures. Mass transit might save a lot of time for the public. The time saved by more efficient transportation infrastructure can promote economic growth which directly helps to raise total economic output by improving employment access and expanding business opportunities and freight movement efficiency, and lowering growing road congestion restrictions.

5. Reducing Global Warming

Taking public transportation helps the environment by conserving energy and reducing harmful carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and greenhouse gas emissions. Traveling via public transit consumes less energy and causes less pollution than traveling by personal vehicles. By increasing public transportation uses, more fuel is saved which helps to reduce air pollution and the carbon footprint of that region. According to a recent study, automobile emissions account for 40% of all types of air pollution.

6. Reduces Reliance on Personal Transportation

In urban areas, a significant amount of money is spent on transportation, either in the form of personal vehicles or rented cars. This is a waste of money in the long run. If there is a cheap and convenient urban transit system, there will be no need for personal automobiles. The saved money can be utilized in other kinds of investments. This investment has the potential to directly contribute to India’s economic growth.

7. Opens New Markets for Businesses

The mass transit system in the city has a significant influence on economic growth. A well-developed urban mass transportation system will open up new economic prospects. It should be noted that a company’s capacity to operate in an efficient and transportation is one of the most vital facilities. Transportation management is critical for economic development in general. City transportation has a significant impact on per capita expenditures and revenues, as well as a country’s GDP.

Conclusion

As a matter of fact, upgrading public transportation to handle large crowds may be beneficial. Not only will this significantly reduce pollution, but it will also make movement quick, simple, and efficient. To achieve India’s goal of rapid economic development, we must concentrate on improving the efficiency and affordability of urban transportation. Economic development has been linked to personal mobility across nations and decades. Over the last few decades, India has experienced phenomenal growth. The mobility infrastructure, on the other hand, has not kept up with the demand. We must prepare for a rapid increase in demand for mobility as India strives to become the world’s second-largest economy by 2050.