New Delhi: Greenpeace India, in collaboration with the Public Transport Forum, has launched a citizen’s draft policy for affordable public transport in India.
The policy, developed through consultations with experts and citizens, aims to battle the inefficiencies of the current system, such as underfunding and over reliance on private vehicles.
The draft policy proposes several measures to create a fairer and more sustainable public transport network.
Key recommendations include introducing “Climate Tickets” to provide fare-free and subsidised public transport options, increasing central government funding and prioritising public transport infrastructure over private vehicle-focused projects.
Photo: By arrangement
“This union budget can be an opportunity for the central government to exhibit their commitment towards achieving India’s climate goals by investing more into making public transport accessible, affordable and efficient in India. The policy draft provides a roadmap for creating a more sustainable, equitable, and efficient and more importantly affordable public transportation system for India,” Aakiz Farooq, Campaigner at Greenpeace India
“For a country like ours which has immense potential for sustainable growth we need equity in access to opportunities for jobs, healthcare, leisure etc and an accessible public transport for all is a key component of this. This is not about distributing free tickets but about the state’s responsibility towards citizens – especially groups like women, elderly, children who are key to any nation building exercise,” he added.
According to the draft policy, the inefficiencies of the current system include inadequate bus fleets, high fares, safety issues and limited accessibility.
It also critiques the disproportionate allocation of resources towards road infrastructure at the expense of public transport.
The police proposes the following solutions to meet these challenges:
- Universal Fare-Free Public Transport: Phased introduction of “Climate Tickets,” initially for vulnerable groups and eventually for all citizens.
- Resource Reallocation: Redirect investments from road and metro projects to public transport.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Doubling bus fleets, creating dedicated bus lanes, and modernising depots and stops.
- Worker Rights: Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions, recognising public transport jobs as green jobs.
- Funding Mechanisms: Establishing a state-level public transport fund and leveraging climate finance.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Addressing stigma around free public transport and promoting it as a right.
Nishant, coordinator of the Public Transport Forum, said that the draft serves as a flexible framework for governments to adapt. “Our draft policy highlights how the central government can support this shift, making public transport accessible, safe, and reliable for everyone,” he said.