Delhi Metro 2nd most unaffordable in world: CSE
Delhi Metro is second most unaffordable in the world among Metro systems that charge less than half a dollar for a trip. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) took data from the UBS report on Price and Earnings, 2018, among other sources to make this claim. Other revelations are:
Of nine metropolitan cities across the world which have operational Metro systems and where the cost for a 10-km trip is less than half a US dollar, the Delhi Metro remains the second most unaffordable system in terms of percentage of income spent for using it. Image source: PTI
Investments have remained sub-optimal Even what has been invested remains under-utilised. At the same time, modern transport systems becoming increasingly unaffordable for urban commuters – says new CSE study. Lack of funding and pricing strategy for integrated public transport systems and services blocking progress. Image source: PTI
Public transport ridership sliding in cities, service providers running into losses, and services becoming unaffordable. No cohesive strategy to reverse this trend. Image source: Reuters
National Transport Development Policy Committee says by 2031, Rs 10,900-18,500 billion needed for urban transport, of which 55 per cent for public transport. Image source: Reuters
Of total allocation to Smart City scheme, share of urban transport projects is 21 per cent. Of this, road infrastructure takes 31 per cent; walking and cycling get only 8 per cent. Of total number of projects under AMRUT, only 7.4 per cent under urban transport, comprising only 1.75 per cent of the total cost of projects. Image source: Reuters
Imbalanced investments: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs budget for Metro increased from 12 per cent in 2009 to 54 per cent in 2017. No commensurate increase for buses or for system integration even though buses carry several times more commuters. Image source: Reuters
No strategy to increase ridership in cities. Ridership of Jaipur, Lucknow and Chennai Metros show a deficit of over 1,000% compared with projected ridership. Image source: Reuters
Modern public transport systems are becoming unaffordable: 34% of Delhi’s population excluded from basic non-AC bus services as it cannot afford them. Image source: PTI
Increase in Delhi Metro fares has stirred larger policy questions: Should Metros seek to meet their costs from fares, or look at other financing methods and non-fare revenue? Image source: Reuters
Investments in transport systems cannot deliver if not supported by fiscal policies to mobilise resources, and keep fares affordable. Adopt innovative financing policy. Image source: Reuters