Mobility plays an integral part in our day to day lives. Whether it's commuting to work, running errands, or visiting loved ones, our ability to move freely and efficiently shapes our lives and enhances our quality of it. Public and private transport modes are two broad categories that contribute to the movement necessary for a smoothly functioning society. With technological advancement we are able to choose from a diverse range of public transport modes such as trains, buses, metros and paratransit, making our commutes more convenient and sustainable. Ideally, these should ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to participate fully in daily activities and society at large. However, this is not always the case. Not everyone has equal access to mobility options. For some, disabilities, financial constraints, or geographic isolation can pose significant barriers to access any or all of these, highlighting the need for inclusive and accessible transportation solutions.
Chennai has a multimodal transportation system, which includes walking, cycling, bikes, cars, paratransit and public transport. According to the Chennai Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2019, around 157 lakh daily trips are made in Chennai. If we look at the data more closely, bus ridership is around 31 lakhs, suburban railway ridership is around 11 lakhs and metro ridership is around 1.16 lakhs.
Figure 1: Modal split in Chennai | Comprehensive Mobility Plan 2019
While the diverse public transport options that Chennai offers means that commuters have more choices and more freedom in how they get around, it also means more connections. It is inevitable that commuters will need to shift from one mode of transport to another to travel efficiently. However, the current public transportation network connections are neither convenient nor efficient at several locations. Some of the difficulties faced by commuters include increased transfer time, lack of signages, inadequate walking infrastructure and lack of infrastructure for the physically challenged. Examining the current transportation difficulties in Chennai highlights the necessity for integrating all public transport modes through multimodal solutions. The following sections will help us understand the benefits of multimodal integration of public transport and how it can benefit our cities.
Why multimodal integration?
- Multimodal integration may help reduce ticket costs and make public transport more budget friendly for the commuters. Passengers travelling longer distances using various modes of public transport will benefit from reduced ticket costs.
- It improves access and coverage, while avoiding duplication of service.
- It reduces transit time and distance, allowing commuters to reach their destination in a short period of time.
- It enhances the efficiency of public transport and minimises transfer times.
- It also ensures that each mode of transport is utilised optimally and reaches its full potential.
There are three main types of integrations that, if implemented carefully, can help the transport mechanisms in the city work seamlessly.
Physical integration
These are efforts taken to co-locate various transport systems and modes. Enabling smooth transfers between various services enables commuters to schedule their trips based on transfer possibilities. Co-locating stations, terminals, or stands of any kind of transport give the public more to choose from. This could include provisions such as placing a taxi stand close to a bus stand, or creating a walkway to connect a bus stand and railway station, or creating a walkway from an adjacent public building to the bus stand.
While creating a transfer space from one mode of transport to another, it is important to take into account the needs of people with disabilities , senior citizens, and people carrying goods or luggage. Providing different opportunities to transfer from one mode to another is influenced by the spatial placements of these modes. For example, ramps and escalators in addition to steps make access equitable.
While physically integrating terminals and stations, it is important to keep in mind the large influx of people who will be using these spaces. These intermodal transfer spaces should be able to handle a high influx of people even during peak commuting periods. The main challenge with multimodal integration occurs when trying to physically connect modes that are offset both horizontally and vertically. Based on the layout of transit stations, commuters might have to navigate in different directions (horizontal and/or vertical) to reach the exit or transfer to another station. Consequently, finding the shortest and most efficient route from one point to another poses a challenge for commuters. For instance, in the Chennai Metro system, there are both underground and elevated stations, while buses and trains operate only at ground level. This complexity makes establishing a smooth connection between different levels without interrupting the flow of people quite challenging. A station needs to merge with the surrounding pedestrian networks and urban spaces to function as a true transport hub. There needs to be ample entries and exits, to facilitate seamless movement.
If you have tried to transfer from Guindy metro station to Guindy railway station, you might have noticed difficulties with transferring. There is no connected shaded walkway that connects the metro station to the railway station, although both stations are located next to each other. As a result, transfer is a challenge, especially during extreme weather conditions. In addition, the lack of signages connecting these stations makes it difficult for first-time commuters.
Figure 2: Aerial view of Guindy metro station and railway stations shows there are no shaded pathways connecting both these stations | Google Maps
To achieve optimal physical integration, it's crucial to minimise walking distances. We must focus on making entry and exit points to the drop-off zone, parking areas, public transit stops, and walkways easily accessible and clear of confusion. The approach of standardising the maximum walking distance to different exits based on their types will ensure that all transit stations are uniform, ensuring a comfortable experience for commuters. The table below outlines the maximum distance recommended from transit stations to designated exits or modes of transportation.
Source: Urban Mobility India, 2022
Information integration
When integrating different modes of transportation it is critical to ensure that signages present, are accurate, informative, and uniform. Uniformity (in colour, size, placement, text) ensures that users spot and process signs quickly, ensuring easy wayfinding and transfer.
The following key attributes contribute to the success of a communication system:
- All communication features should be easy, consistent, clear, legible, and standardised to facilitate wayfinding.
- Establishing direct paths of movement and clear visibility of the exits helps to ensure smooth transitions.
- Clearly distinguished exit points with the nearest landmarks they lead to.
- Information boards should display the station layout and connections between stations to help commuters navigate and plan their journeys effectively.
- Transport schedule charts should include the timing of all public transits to ensure clarity and ease of understanding. These features should also be accessible on a variety of digital platforms to enhance effectiveness.
A comprehensive map of all public transportation stations to assist commuters in finding the most efficient route for their journeys is helpful. These can be physically displayed at transport hubs, and made available to users as digital versions. For example, in Manila, Philippines, a public transit map has been created that consolidates all major transportation modes, into a single map. Through the use of distinct lines, numbers, and shapes, they successfully combined all public transportation services into a user-friendly and clear map for passengers. Going a step further, they also integrated paratransit options into the map, providing passengers with access to their first and last mile connectivity choices.
Figure 3: Makati City Area Transit Map | Metro Manila Transit Map Project
Fare integration.
Integrating fare payments across various transport systems helps commuters and also eases the burden on the system. Integrating fares simplifies payment for commuters, reducing hassle and saving time when using public transportation. Some of the common fare integration practices across the world include common fare cards, common transfers between different modes of transportation, and integrated ticketing systems. Each one of these systems has its own advantages and disadvantages.
A common fare card is a card where you can top up with cash and use it across all public transportation. This allows commuters to use any type of public transportation without having to buy a new ticket for every trip they make. This eliminates the worry of having to carry cash and reduces the time taken to purchase a ticket. One disadvantage could be that commuters need to keep a track of their balance and that they can recharge and check the balance at specific locations.
Common transfers are discounted or free transfers from one mode of transportation to another. This can only be achieved if the transit stations are enclosed and have the capability to monitor passengers as they enter, exit, or switch to another mode of transportation. In addition, both stations need to be physically connected or in close proximity.
Integrated tickets allow for a single fare to be used across multiple modes of transport without requiring an additional purchase for the second leg of the journey. The fare can either be shared between two service providers or one transfer can be made into a free ride.
The most effective way of fare integration is to create a common fare card as it records all the trips and the costs. Concessions can also be integrated into these cards, making it easier for both the commuters and the service provider. It is also easier to keep track of the fare share of different service providers.
Cities in India have multiple modes of public transport, but each of these service providers function separately. Different service providers manage these transport systems, each having their own rules and management systems. As these are not joined up services, integration of services and division of fares is a laborious task.
Conclusion
The primary goal of multimodal integration is to guarantee fast, safe, and efficient access to all public transportation options, enabling seamless traffic flow between modes in the immediate area. It aims to provide secure first and last-mile connections for non-motorised commuters and establish safe street layouts around stations. Presently, Chennai offers various public transportation choices with separate networks that are not always interconnected. However, it is not too late to unify these public transport systems through physical, informational, and fare integration for an optimal network. In the future, we can anticipate groundbreaking developments in mobility such as hyperloops connecting cities, drone deliveries to your door steps, etc,. Until then it is crucial to integrate our public transport system to make it more accessible and to fully realise the potential benefits of public transport.
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