Empirical Investigation of Various Mobility Solutions for Urban Transport Planning: A Study from Western India

Abstract

Transportation has significant and long-lasting economic, social and environmental impacts which makes it an important dimension of urban sustainability. The World is witnessing rapid changes in modern traveling behavior, and efforts are continuously being made to stimulate sustainable mobility solutions with smart policies, new business models, and advanced technologies (connected cars, sensors, electrification). However, the shift is gradual in India when compared to developed countries due to unique barriers to emerging green mobility solutions. This paper empirically investigates public travel satisfaction and the primary factors for the selection of modes for different types of commutes. Quantitative data were collected including socio-demographic, travel mode choices, and preferred future mobility solutions from the western states of India. This study analyses the correspondence between demography and traveling behavior for various types of commutes like daily work, intercity travel, leisure, and tourism. The results support various previous findings and provide evidence for roadways being the most preferred mode. Additionally, the survey highlights that the consumer base looks for comfort and convenience over time, health safety, cost & environmental concerns. This paper benefits academics, industry practitioners, and policymakers by suggesting mobility solutions from other parts of the country and the world that can help in road-mapping future sustainable mobility policies for India.