Image Source: Getty
The provision of integrated multimodal transportation systems is crucial in developing efficient, easy-to-access, and environmentally friendly urban mobility, especially in densely populated urban agglomeration areas. The Indian urban transport sector has acute difficulties in achieving multimodal integration. While there are significant efforts directed towards the construction of large transport projects, including metro systems in 20 cities across India, poor inter-modal transfer has led to persistent problems: inconvenient transfers for commuters, high levels of traffic and low levels of satisfaction and ridership. This makes the situation more difficult, because of issues with the poor implementation of last-mile connectivity, unintegrated ticketing systems, inefficient governance structures and infrastructure inadequacy. These limitations render the capability of these systems ineffective in meeting the transport requirements of the quickly urbanising population of India.
Key characteristics of these successful frameworks are the operationally integrated multimodal transport networks, which encompass synchronised schedules, interoperable systems, and infrastructure designed to adapt to the dynamic needs of urban commuters and cities.
Many cities globally have been able to showcase successful instances of both physical and operational integration. Cities such as London, Paris and Amsterdam in Europe; Toronto in North America; Bogotá in South America; and Singapore, Tokyo and Hong Kong in Asia have valuable experiences in embedding the use of different transport modes into daily practice. These cities have effectively enhanced commuter experiences by strategically coordinating various transport modes, such as rail, metro and bus, as well as improving last-mile connectivity. This coordinated approach has resulted in reduced travel times, improved accessibility, and seamless intermodal transfers. Key characteristics of these successful frameworks are the operationally integrated multimodal transport networks, which encompass synchronised schedules, interoperable systems, and infrastructure designed to adapt to the dynamic needs of urban commuters and cities.
Elements of operational integration
To create an operationally integrated transport system, the following attributes are essential:
-
Intermodal synchronisation: Intermodal connectivity within public transportation systems aims to mitigate passenger transfer penalties by facilitating seamless transitions between diverse modes of transport. Achieving this necessitates a comprehensive approach that encompasses integrated planning frameworks, the adoption of standardised technical specifications, and robust inter-agency coordination mechanisms. The concept of a "network of networks" serves as a guiding principle for establishing interconnected public transportation systems. In such systems, distinct networks operate cohesively, enabling efficient passenger transfers and minimising dwell times. Illustrative examples include the Shinjuku station in Tokyo, which exemplifies seamless interconnectivity between multiple rail and subway operators, and the Berlin Hauptbahnhof, which serves as a model for integrated regional, intercity, suburban, and urban rail services, optimising connectivity and transfer efficiency.
-
Integrated scheduling: Achieving efficient operational integration necessitates the harmonisation of schedules across diverse transportation modes. This synchronisation minimises passenger wait times and facilitates seamless transfers. Coordinated scheduling methodologies contribute significantly to the optimisation of overall travel time, particularly within high-capacity public transit networks. For example, Singapore's multimodal transportation system effectively integrates its Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and bus services through meticulously synchronised schedules and strategically interconnected route networks. The implementation of the EZ-Link contactless smart card further enhances passenger convenience by enabling seamless and efficient transfers between different modes of transport.
-
Route integration: Multimodal transport systems, characterised by the seamless integration of routes and services across various modes, demonstrate enhanced efficiency and encourage greater modal complementarity. A hierarchical network structure, commonly referred to as a "trunk and feeder" approach, proves instrumental in stimulating ridership and mitigating the dependence on private motor vehicles. The TransMilenio Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Bogotá exemplifies this concept, featuring a hierarchical network with high-capacity trunk lines forming the backbone along major corridors. A network of feeder lines effectively connects residential areas to these trunk routes, thereby providing comprehensive first- and last-mile connectivity for passengers.
-
Real-time monitoring system: The dissemination of real-time data across diverse transportation modes empowers commuters to make informed travel choices. This encompasses crucial information such as vehicle positions, delays, and operational performance indicators. Furthermore, the deployment of passenger density sensors at stations facilitates the optimisation of train frequencies, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. Transport for London serves as an exemplar for advanced real-time data integration. This system seamlessly coordinates operations across multiple modes, including buses, the Underground, the Overground, Docklands Light Railway, and trams, thereby facilitating a more efficient and integrated urban transportation network.
Status of Indian cities in the context of operational integration
Public transport systems in Indian cities, including metro services, city buses, suburban railways, and auto-rickshaws, largely operate in isolation, resulting in prolonged wait times, inefficient transfers, and a significant degree of inconvenience for commuters. Operational integration between transport modes remains minimal, with little effort to synchronise the schedules of lower-capacity modes with those of higher-capacity systems.
Overcrowding deters 37 percent of commuters from using public transport, while 28 percent cite delays and irregular schedules as critical challenges.
A survey conducted by Tummoc, a patented public transit application, across 21 Indian cities with over 50,000 daily commuters, highlighted the inadequacies of India’s public transport infrastructure. The survey results reveal that 85 percent of respondents perceive substantial issues with their public transportation systems. Overcrowding deters 37 percent of commuters from using public transport, while 28 percent cite delays and irregular schedules as critical challenges.
Despite these challenges, some cities have initiated efforts to achieve operational integration. In Kochi, the Kochi One digital platform serves as a multimodal integration project, creating a mobility ecosystem that fosters collaboration between various stakeholders. The platform connects end users, the public transport authority, and mobility service providers. Participants include Kochi Metro, private and state-run buses, auto-rickshaw unions, water jetties, and public bike-sharing services. This cohesive approach enhances the efficiency and convenience of multimodal transport in Kochi.
Another notable example is the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in the National Capital Region (NCR). The Ghaziabad City Transport Services Ltd. operates electric buses on seven routes, providing feeder services to four stations along the Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor. To streamline integration, the NCRTC (National Capital Region Transport Corporation) has established dedicated pick-up and drop-off zones, while also incorporating route and schedule information into the RRTS Connect mobile application. The app is additionally set to include live GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking of feeder buses to enhance commuter convenience.
In addition, the Uttar Pradesh State Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has approved 17 feeder bus routes connecting five RRTS stations, from Sahibabad to Duhai Depot. NCRTC has also collaborated with private operators, including ETO, Rapido, and Speed Trip (P) Ltd., to provide last-mile connectivity through e-rickshaws, bike taxis, and cabs. These initiatives represent significant steps toward achieving operational integration in India’s public transport systems, though much work remains to address broader systemic challenges.
To achieve operational integration in multimodal transport systems, transit service providers must adopt effective management strategies to optimise resource allocation and coordinate services.
The way forward
Establishing seamless and efficient urban transit systems requires cohesive infrastructure planning, digital integration, reliable scheduling, and user-focused services. However, urban India faces significant challenges, including fragmented infrastructure, limited technological integration, and inconsistent scheduling, which collectively hinder the commuter experience.
To achieve operational integration in multimodal transport systems, transit service providers must adopt effective management strategies to optimise resource allocation and coordinate services. Key approaches include:
These strategies are critical for fostering a cohesive, user-centric transport network that addresses the unique challenges of India’s rapidly urbanising cities.
Nandan H. Dawda is a Fellow with the Urban Studies programme at the Observer Research Foundation.
The views expressed above belong to the author(s). ORF research and analyses now available on Telegram! Click here to access our curated content — blogs, longforms and interviews.