Sustainable Urban Transport System – SUTS

A Sustainable Urban Transport System (SUTS) is a framework that aims to minimize environmental impact, improve efficiency and meet the mobility needs of a diverse population. Unlike traditional systems that focus heavily on car-centric infrastructure, sustainable transport emphasizes upon low or no emission options such as cycling and public transit, while utilising modern technologies and culminating into Multimodal Integration. The aim is to create eco-friendly and interconnected network that supports accessibility, economic growth and a high quality of life without compromising the environment for future generations.

As urban cities around the world face challenges of congestion and pollution the need for SUTS has never been more demanding. In India, where urban population is rapidly expanding, designing an eco-friendly transportation network is the key to a cleaner future, lesser traffic and more efficient commutes. By learning from innovative global examples, India can develop effective, sustainable mobility solutions tailored to each cities unique need.

The Need for Sustainable Urban Transport

Traditional transportation methods contribute significantly to air pollution, GHG emissions and traffic congestion particularly in densely populated cities. India’s urban centres suffer from extreme traffic congestion and therefore high levels of air pollution. Traditional car-centric designs are not sustainable in high-density cities, as they lead to excessive fuel consumption, longer travel time and significant CO₂ emissions. According to a 2021 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), transportation accounts for about 25% of global CO₂ emissions, with urban areas being the primary contributors. Shifting towards SUTS can address these issues by integrating various low-emission transit options and enhancing accessibility with inclusivity.

Global Examples: Lessons from Leading Cities

Many cities worldwide have successfully implemented sustainable transport strategies that offer valuable lessons:

• Copenhagen, Denmark: Known for its cycle-friendly infrastructure, nearly 62% of Copenhagen residents commute by bicycle. The city has built extensive bike lanes and even & Super cycle highways for longer commutes. Indian cities could adopt similar infrastructure, creating safe cycling networks connected to public multimodal hubs thereby reducing pollution.
• Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo’s public transit system is a model of seamless integration, featuring a high-frequency network of trains, subways, and buses. This setup makes private car usage nearly unnecessary, a system Indian metro like Delhi and Mumbai could learn from by enhancing interoperability and focusing on first- and last-mile connectivity. This could reduce commuting time.
• Singapore: Through Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), Singapore manages congestion by charging drivers based on peak hours and high-traffic zones. High vehicle ownership costs further encourage public transit use, offering a model that congested Indian cities, such as Bangalore or Chennai, could consider for reducing traffic and enhancing affordability.
• Bogotá, Colombia: Bogotá’s Trans-Milenio Bus Rapid Transit system (BRTS) prioritizes bus lanes and serves millions daily, providing a fast and affordable alternative to private vehicles.

Ahmedabad and Pune have already adopted a similar system, and other Indian cities could benefit from expanding BRTS networks as a cost-effective public transit solution. Utilising of BRTS should reduce private vehicles on the road.

Key Strategies for Sustainable Urban Transport in India

Drawing on these global examples, India can focus on several strategic pillars to build SUTS:

• Expand and Integrate Public Transit Networks: Building more metro lines, BRTS and integrating them with Multi modes can simplify urban mobility. Developing seamless ticketing systems will help people transit easily between multi-modes i.e. buses, trains, bicycles etc., making commuting most convenient by SUTS.
• Promote Electric Mobility: Under the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme, India aims to promote electric vehicles (EVs). Setting up charging infrastructure, offering incentives for EVs, and encouraging electric buses are vital steps to reduce emissions and support the shift toward cleaner energy.
• Enhance First- and Last-Mile Connectivity: Commuters are more likely to use public transit
  when it’s easy to access. Adding feeder buses, bike-sharing programs, and e-scooters at transit stations can improve first- and last-mile connectivity, making public transit more attractive and accessible for all commuters.
• Implement Congestion Pricing and Demand Management: Following Singapore’s example,
  Indian cities could introduce congestion pricing to reduce car traffic during peak hours. Parking fees, tolls, and incentives for public transit can also help manage demand, particularly in highly congested urban centers like Delhi and Bangalore.
• Encourage Behavioural Change through Awareness and Incentives: Campaigns with public awareness and incentives can motivate people to choose SUTS options. Educating residents about the benefits of reduced car usage and eco-friendly commuting options, along with incentives for regular use of public transit, can foster long-term changes in commuter behavior.

Designing a SUTS

Building SUTS is a complex process that requires careful planning and detailed community engagement:

• Understand Local Needs: Begin by analyzing socio-economic factors, existing infrastructure and travel patterns needs. Engaging with stakeholders, including local governments, commuters and transportation experts, ensures that the system addresses the requirements aptly.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors can help collect real-time data on environmental impacts, traffic patterns and road capacities. This data provides a foundation for planning and identifies key areas for improvement.
• System Design and Integration: Design the network to include various transport modes such as buses, metros and bicycles, while prioritizing public and non-motorized options. Creating multimodal hubs and prioritizing accessibility ensures that the system is inclusive for all users even the elderly and people with disabilities (PwDs).
• Implement Sustainable Mobility Solutions: Integrate digital systems, electric and low-emission vehicles with shared mobility options for real-time tracking, offering incentives and promoting EV usage can encourage and enhance sustainable commuting.
• Pilot Testing and Phased Rollouts: Testing systems through pilot projects allows cities to refine their approaches based on feedback. Continuous evaluation ensures the system stays responsive to changing commuter needs and urban growth.

The Road Ahead for India’s Urban Mobility

Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore have already begun to implement electric buses, metro expansions, and integrated ticketing. However, challenges remain, particularly with population density and infrastructure limitations. With sustained investment, strategic planning, and in grading sustainability, India can build SUTS that serve as a model/s for liveability and environmental management. Adopting global best practices to India’s local needs will be the key to creating affordable, more efficient and greener urban mobility.