Maharashtra Forms Technical and Study Groups to Integrate Bus Services Across Mumbai Metropolitan Region

The Maharashtra government has formed a technical group and a high-level study group to prepare a common operating framework for public bus transport across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This move is part of the state's effort to prepare an Integrated Bus Transportation Plan for the MMR, which aims to bring multiple public transport operators under a coordinated system. The eight-member technical group, headed by BEST's assistant general manager (Transport and Operations), has been tasked with preparing a route rationalisation plan by July 15.

• ▸The group includes representatives of municipal transport undertakings across the MMR.
• ▸The group’s mandate includes reviewing and rationalising existing bus routes, synchronising service schedules among public transport operators (PTOs).
• ▸The group will also prepare a roadmap for technology integration, recommend infrastructure sharing, and propose a common fare framework for inter-city and inter-jurisdictional travel.

How It Works

The technical group will suggest a revenue-sharing mechanism for fares collected on routes traversing multiple jurisdictions. A separate study group, headed by the BEST general manager and comprising municipal commissioners from all MMR municipal corporations, will examine the technical group’s recommendations and submit a final proposal to the state government by July 31.

• ▸The study group will focus on developing a uniform fare structure across transport operators, improving passenger convenience, and finalising a common fare policy.
• ▸The group will also examine the feasibility of a telescopic fare system, under which fares progressively reduce with distance travelled, particularly for long-distance journeys across the MMR.
• ▸The initiative stems from the Centre’s Growth Hub (G-HUB) programme proposed by NITI Aayog, under which MMR has been selected as a pilot city-region.

Significance and What Changes Now

The Integrated Bus Transportation Plan for the MMR is expected to bring about significant improvements in the public transport system, making it more efficient, convenient, and affordable for commuters. The plan will also help reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and travel times, making the city more livable.

• ▸The plan will be implemented under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) framework, which provides financial assistance to cities for improving urban infrastructure, including public transport.
• ▸The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will provide guidance and support to the state government in implementing the plan.
• ▸The plan will also involve the participation of private operators, who will be encouraged to operate buses on select routes, under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Challenges on the Ground

The implementation of the Integrated Bus Transportation Plan will require significant investments in infrastructure, including bus depots, terminals, and roads. The plan will also require the coordination of multiple stakeholders, including public transport operators, private operators, and government agencies.

• ▸The Motor Vehicles Act 1988 will be amended to facilitate the implementation of the plan.
• ▸The plan will also involve the use of technology, including Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), to manage bus operations, track buses, and provide real-time information to commuters.
• ▸The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) will be used to facilitate seamless travel across different modes of transport.