DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF URBAN METRO TRANSIT SYSTEM POST-COVID-19

Public transportation usage in Delhi has declined, with the Delhi Metro having a significant share. However, due to fare hikes and COVID-19 restrictions, the DM's share has been decreasing further. To improve ridership, a study is being conducted to evaluate the DM's performance and identify areas for improvement in passenger convenience and comfort. The Magenta line is investigated through an on-board survey to collect primary data. The survey covers commuter perceptions of safety & security, financial & economic factors, infrastructure & comfort and functional & operational features. The Relative Importance Index approach is used to analyse the data and evaluate DM performance. An ANN model is also presented to determine the factors influencing the choice to travel on the DM, with the “metro fare per trip” factor being a key consideration. Based on the analysis results, recommendations are made to improve the DM's performance. The study found that safety and security had the highest RII, followed by efficiency and viability, functional and operational features, infrastructure and comfort, and financial and economic factors. The subway fare had the lowest RII. The ANN model is adapted to understand the reasons behind low metro ridership.