Top priority for Public Transport

• Electric power is the way to go for the transport sector, given the need to curb greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. 
• The government is finalising a policy that would help transition the sector away from the internal combustion engine and fossil fuels to electric vehicles and alternative fuels. 
•  In devising a policy for clean mobility, the government must prioritise mass transit over cars and private vehicles.
• A shift away from fossil fuels to alternatives like methanol, ethanol, hydrogen or battery-stored power is essential to address the environmental, economic and health fallout of increased congestion.
•  This means greater investment in the sector but also working to change public attitudes, from seeing public transport as the option for those who cannot afford a personal vehicle or be part of the shared mobility experience such as taxis, autos, e-rickshaws and ridesharing, to accepting it as the first and smart choice for mobility for even those who own a private 
• Second, the different modes of public transport such as bus, train, metro, tram, must be integrated. 
• India is urbanising rapidly. New towns must be planned to minimise commutes and prioritise public transport.
• High density and mixed land use must be accompanied by public transport. Shared cycles will be possible at least in some places. Planning is the key.

The Economic Times September 9 2018