Greenpeace India along with the Public Transport Forum today launched a Citizen’s Draft Policy for Affordable Public Transport in India. This draft policy, developed through extensive consultations with experts and citizens, aims to transform urban mobility in India. Recognizing the critical role of public transport in the lives of millions of Indians, the draft policy emphasizes the urgent need to overhaul the current system, which is plagued by underfunding and inefficient prioritization of private vehicles.
The draft policy outlines a comprehensive vision for a more just, sustainable, and equitable public transport system. Key policy recommendations include the introduction of “Climate Tickets,” encompassing fare-free and subsidized public transport options, to make public transport more affordable and accessible for all citizens. The policy also calls for a significant increase in central government funding specifically allocated to improving public transport infrastructure and services.
The draft policy outlines a comprehensive approach to public transport, focusing on fairness, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency. Built on citizen recommendations, this policy aims to transform the public transport system into one that is inclusive, sustainable, and efficient for all Indians.
“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. For an environmentally friendly, cleaner and sustainable India, the central government needs to adopt policy and financial measures which will make public transport efficient and affordable in India.” – Aakiz Farooq, Campaigner at Greenpeace India
Further speaking Aakiz Farooq elaborates “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”.
The draft policy outlines the challenges faced by current public transport systems in India. These include an overemphasis on road infrastructure, with excessive resources directed towards road expansion, flyovers, and tunnels, while public transport infrastructure remains neglected. Additionally, public bus services are inadequate, with insufficient bus fleets, high fares, safety concerns, and limited accessibility for marginalized groups. Furthermore, there is a lack of dedicated funding for public transport, with operations and maintenance often underfunded.
As part of the citizen draft policy for affordable public transport in India, Greenpeace India along with Public Transport Forum propose these solutions:
- Universal Fare-Free Public Transport: The policy proposes a phased implementation of fare-free public transport through “Climate Tickets” for women, children, elderly, transgender people, and persons with disabilities, eventually extending to all citizens.
- Resource Reallocation: Shift investments from road, metro, and fossil fuel subsidies to expanding and improving public transport systems.
- Improving Infrastructure and Services: Double bus fleets in cities, create dedicated bus lanes, modernize bus depots, improve bus stops with accessible amenities, and enhance first/last-mile connectivity.
- Protecting Workers’ Rights: Ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and gender inclusivity in the workforce. Recognize public transport jobs as green jobs, fostering workforce participation in decision-making.
- State-Level Public Transport Fund: Create dedicated funding mechanisms through central, state, and municipal contributions. Abolish taxes on public transport to reduce operational costs and reinvest savings into service improvements.
- Climate Funding Integration: Position public transport as a key climate action tool, leveraging domestic and international climate finance to enhance affordability, operational efficiency, and emission reductions.
- Citizen Participation and Multi-Tier Governance: Advocate for coordinated efforts between central, state, and local governments, with State Planning Boards managing implementation. Establish citizen user unions and conduct annual reviews for inclusive policymaking.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Address stigma around free public transport, particularly for women, and promote the right to affordable, accessible, and reliable mobility through education and advocacy initiatives.
“Free public transport has recently become a key focus in elections and political discussions, with many states considering ways to introduce such schemes. However, there is currently no clear policy to guide these efforts. Our draft policy is designed to serve as a flexible framework that Governments can adapt to their needs while ensuring a consistent approach across the country. It also highlights how the central government can support this shift, making public transport accessible, safe, and reliable for everyone.” explains Nishant, coordinator of the Public Transport Forum.
About Greenpeace India:
Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning network that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace. It comprises 26 independent national/regional Greenpeace organisations with presence in over 55 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific, as well as a coordinating and supporting organisation, Greenpeace International.
About Public Transport Forum
The Public Transport Forum is a collective of civil society organizations, transport experts, and citizen advocates working towards ensuring that public transport in India is accessible, affordable, and sustainable. The forum strives for comprehensive policy reforms and greater public participation in transport planning.
To read the report – scan here
