Multi Modal Transit Hub as a Solution for Growing Urban Traffic Congestion in Mega Cities

Transport has significant role to play in accelerating urban mobility. Urban mobility has different dimensions i. e. mobility for work, education, recreation and other needs; mobility by public, private and personalized modes; and mobility through facilitation of various transport infrastructure and services provided by the authorities concerned. In this context, the role of various modes of public transport in a city is of paramount importance for achieving efficient movement pattern but the same cannot be achieved without modal integration of public transport in conjunction with non-motorized modes such as pedestrians, bicycles and cycle rickshaws. Hence, there is a felt need to evolve multi modal transport system particularly for metropolitan cities through proper integration of existing modes and design of physical infrastructures. Multi Modal Transit Hub is an integrated approach to incorporate all components of urban transport into a single coordinated, planned and operational system for efficient use of available transport resources and infrastructure to ensure better mobility within a wide range of mode choices. It relates to a single trip consisting of a combination of modes i. e. Vehicular (bus, metro, car, BRTS, etc. ) or service modes private/public/personalized) between which commuter has to make a transfer (i. e. Change of mode) at transfer points. In other words, a multi modal transport system may be defined as one which enables performing a complete trip from origin to destination by a variety of modes depending on time, cost, weather conditions and the level of comfort desired. Further, seamless travel is a pre-requisite of the system. Integration of non-motorized transport (NMT i. e. pedestrians, bicycles and cycle rickshaws) has been suggested in both design measures and policy options. The study suggests various measures to reduce vulnerability of non-motorized users.