Mobility In Mumbai

The problem with the system

Mumbai’s transit systems are organised chaos, carrying lakhs of commuters everyday. However, this complicated web of networks is not easy to navigate. It does not facilitate smooth movement from point A to point B. This is due to depleted infrastructure, badly planned routes and constant delays. Another area of concern is the stress on the capacity of transit systems. This inefficiency and discomfort, disincentivizes the use of public transport. The solution to Mumbai’s mobility problems could be found by viewing it from a systems perspective.

Mobility and Paani puri

It is easy to separate different transport systems and study them in isolation. However, we must view these mobility systems as part of a whole. For instance, a paani puri.

The Puri

The railways, a system that represents the puri that encompasses the city. Reaching far and wide with the Central, Western and Harbour lines, they connect all corners of Mumbai. Sub-systems include the tracks, the station and the trains working in sync.

The Aloo

The roads, filling the city like the aloo in the puri. Sub-systems in networks include highways and freeways, main roads, roads, lanes, and bylanes. These networks are used by private vehicles,busses, taxis and auto rickshaws.

The Paani

Pedestrian networks, fluid as the paani. Sub-systems in pedestrian networks include pavements, crossings, promenades and bridges.

The Plate

Public utilities and infrastructure, the plate without which, the mobility system would collapse. Sub-systems include bus and train stations, electricity grids, drainage systems and many more.

Interactions of the system

For mobility systems to work in harmony, the parts of these systems must have efficient interactions. Just like a paani puri, each system and their subsystems must be viewed as interconnecting parts of a whole. If one system is affected, others will be subject to ripple effects. For example, two years ago Mumbai witnessed the horrific collapse of the Gokhale foot overbridge at Andheri Station. Debris from the collapse blocked movement of station goers from eastern and western Andheri lines.

Efficient interactions

Improving efficiency will significantly reduce Mumbai’s mobility issues. Revitalizing infrastructure is key but there are other methods. Here are three unconventional ways to improve our city’s mobility systems:

• Universal card/app for public transit.

A one-stop shop that gives commuters access to the local train, metro rail and BEST. This card/app could be continually refilled and would introduce and connect more individuals to public transport. It would help commuters save time while transitioning between modes of transport during their commute. This would help in reducing both the wait time as well as the congestion of people at stations.

• Centralised GPS system

Using AI, it would connect the bus, train and metro systems on a single digital platform. Users would be able to track routes, optimise commuting costs and receive warnings of blocks, congestion and delays in real time.

• Congestion pricing

Charging private vehicle users for street parking at peak times. The aim is to encourage people to carpool, use public transport or walk. Thereby reducing the stress on roads at peak.

What is a resilient system?

System resilience is defined by the ability of a system to withstand a major disruption and recover within an acceptable time frame. In short, how quickly can it bounce back after breaking down? In a city like Mumbai, resilience is key. The system's resilience comes under stress due to various reasons. The city's monsoons, lack of resources, strained capacity and the abysmal urban planning within the city are all factors.

Conclusion

Sure, it’s okay to eat a pani-puri if the shell is slightly broken, if there was too much aloo, if there was less paani, or if it was handed to you straight without a plate. But it’s messy, it’s annoying and you’d rather just eat sev puri with a spoon instead. Public transport is like pani puri - it needs the right components and balance. Let’s not neglect one amazing dish just because the other is more convenient to eat.