Why Commuting Numbers are Falling in Mumbai and Delhi

In bustling cities like Mumbai and Delhi, daily life can often feel overwhelming, especially for those relying on public transport. For many, like Nilakshi Joshi from Shivaji Nagar, a slum cluster in Mumbai, the day begins with a long wait at the bus stop. Every morning, she, along with her six-year-old son, walks to the bus stop for a red Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus to take her son to school. The short 5 km journey ends up taking a lot of time due to delays, making her daily commute exhausting.

Similarly, there’s Ramvati, a resident of Tughlaqabad Extension in Delhi. She depends on a low-floor bus operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) to reach her workplace in the high-rise buildings nearby. Despite their best efforts, both women often find themselves waiting longer than the expected 20 minutes for a bus. Sometimes, delays stretch to 45 minutes or even an hour. “I could have walked home faster,” Ramvati said in frustration. Unfortunately, there’s no easy option; walking 2 km with a child is no small feat.

Even with these challenges, Joshi and Ramvati continue to rely on buses since they are the most affordable option available. In Delhi, the buses are free for women, making them even more appealing. In Mumbai, buses serve a vital role as feeders to the local train network, which is already overwhelmed with 70 lakh commuters each day.

The Decline in Commuter Numbers

Despite the crucial role of buses, ridership in both cities has seen a significant decline. In Mumbai, daily bus commuters have dropped by 44% since 2011, from 35.8 lakh to just over 20 lakh today. Delhi, on the other hand, saw a decline of approximately 19% from 51.02 lakh in 2019 to 41.41 lakh in 2023. Both cities have also failed to meet the recommended benchmarks for bus availability. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs suggests that cities with more than 20 lakh people should have 60 buses for every lakh of residents. However, Delhi has only around 45 buses per lakh, while Mumbai manages just 21.6.

Reasons Behind Ridership Decline

One significant issue is the aging and decreasing fleet of buses. Mumbai’s bus fleet has dropped to 2,594 from 4,385 buses in 2011, representing a staggering 40% decrease. Financial problems within the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) have exacerbated the situation. Losses rose sharply from Rs 336 crore in 2021-2022 to Rs 1,038 crore in the following year, hampering the procurement of new buses.

Privatization efforts have not helped either; now 84% of Mumbai’s buses are privately operated, leading to a drop in service quality. Disruptions have become more frequent as private operators cut corners to maximize profits. Reports indicate that buses often break down or are delayed due to a lack of drivers and proper maintenance.

In Delhi, the DTC has faced similar struggles, with losses amounting to over Rs 14,000 crore between 2015 and 2022. The aging fleet has also fallen, with many buses being overage and unusable. Interestingly, while both Mumbai and Delhi have turned to privatization for assistance, Delhi has managed to better maintain its fleet, with 99% utilization of its cluster buses.

Community Impact

The daily struggles of commuters like Joshi and Ramvati reflect the broader challenges in urban mobility. The lack of reliable bus services forces many individuals to explore alternatives, often opting for private vehicles, which contribute significantly to traffic congestion. In Mumbai, for example, private vehicles are responsible for 41% of the congestion, while buses account for just 2%. As a result, people find themselves paying higher fares or spending more time on inefficient commuting routes.

The ideal distance from city centers to public transport stops should be around 500 meters. However, studies show that nearly 31% of built-up areas in Delhi are outside this range, forcing individuals to walk long distances on unsafe or poorly maintained pathways.

Moving Forward

To reverse this troubling trend, both cities need to reassess their public transport strategies. Investment in new buses, better maintenance, and enhanced pedestrian-friendly routes can make a substantial difference. Moreover, the focus should shift from viewing public transport as a financial burden to recognizing it as an essential public service akin to water and electricity.

In conclusion, although the situation may seem dire, awareness and strategic actions from both local governments and citizens can foster a more efficient and inclusive public transport system for the future.

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