Sustainable Urban Transport- Indian Initiatives

Abstract

Sustainable mobility is the mobility, which is environmentally sound, socially just and economically feasible. It is the public transport that performs strongly in all three areas. Public transport is not only more energy efficient, socially inclusive, more equitable and space saving but also creates 2-3 times more jobs than private transport. Public Transport, therefore, is a dynamic actor in the sustainable future of cities. Transportation is the primary source of CO2 and other greenhouse gases, contributing up to 40 % of the city’s total emissions. All over the world cities have initiated measures such as increasing the share of public transport and non-motorised modes to reduce the negative impacts of urban transport. Bus Rapid Transit, a new approach in bus system operation has put urban transportation on a more sustainable path. The paper describes the experience of BRT in Latin American cities, Indian urban transport scenario, policy framework of Government of India and the efforts made by Indian cities to put their public transport on a sustainable path.