Pune: Innovative Program to Boost Public Transport Use Launched
In a commendable move towards promoting sustainable transportation, the Pune Knowledge Cluster has partnered with Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) to introduce a program designed to encourage the public to opt for public transport systems more frequently.
Titled “Behaviour Nudges For Sustainable Transport“, this 4-year initiative seeks to make a positive impact on the environment by aiding in de-carbonization, enhancing air quality, and alleviating traffic congestion across the city.
The program aims to subtly influence citizens’ commuting choices, steering them away from personal vehicles and towards public transportation options. By implementing a series of “nudges,” the initiative is expected to increase the mode share of sustainable transport modes in the Pune Metropolitan Region to 40% by the year 2040.
A pilot project in collaboration with PMPML is set to commence in the 2023-24 period, featuring experiments like the “Information” Nudge, which will see improvements in signage at bus stops and the provision of detailed information regarding bus routes and frequencies. Another significant experiment is the “Frequency” Nudge, which will enhance the frequency of services on selected routes from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes.
तुम्ही बाणेर आणि बालेवाडी परिसरातील असून कोरेगाव पार्क, कल्याणी नगर आणि त्यापलीकडे जाण्यासाठी रहदारी-अनुकूल पर्याय शोधत आहात? मग बस मार्ग २५६ वापरून पहा – तुम्हाला जिथे जायच आहे, ते स्थान कदाचित ह्या मार्गावरच सापडेल! पुणे विद्यापीठ आणि ई-स्क्वेर सारख्या अनुकूल थांब्यांसह, हा बस… pic.twitter.com/cDl3dFDQCt
— Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (@PMPMLPune) March 30, 2024
The primary objective of this pioneering program is to boost ridership on specific routes operated by PMPML, as well as the Maha Metro and Pune Metro services. It will also evaluate the effectiveness of various nudges and identify service improvements that significantly influence public adoption of sustainable transport modes. Such insights will guide transport providers in making informed decisions and prioritizing the most impactful service enhancements.
Key stakeholders involved in this initiative include local governmental bodies such as the Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, the Regional Transport Office, Pune, and metro service providers MahaMetro and PuneMetro. Collaborative efforts with partners like Save Pune Traffic Movement and the Centre for Environment Education are also a crucial part of this endeavor.
For more information or to express interest in supporting this initiative, interested parties are encouraged to reach out via contact@pkc.org.in.
