Last Mile Connectivity is an important issue in India as well as in developing nations.
Comfort level is the prime concern for commuters.Each one prefer their own level of comfort depending upon the spending limits.People prefer to travel in Metro or AC Buses or Ac Trains during their major portion of travel.But at both the ends,at starting of the journey as well as at the End,people forced to hire a taxi or use the available facility .Or they will have to arrange their own vehicles for pick up and drop.Otherwise they are forced to compromise to finish the journey.
This is because of the deficiency of last mile connectivity People prefer different level of comfort. Available Last Mile Connectivity means are Taxis ,Autos, Hand Rikshaws,E carts Hire Bike etc.Certain old and cost effective modes like cycle rikshaw ,hand cart etc are also seen in our streets.But the comfort level vary between them.
Management of Last Mile Connectivity is one of the significant feature for success of any newly introduced Mass Transportation Facility like Metro,MonoRail or Water Metro etc.Regarding a Railway service or Public Bus service , availability of Last Mile Connectivity is not a factor affecting the success of the industry.But when we think about capital invested metro service or Water Metro s the connectivity level is an important factor for the success rate of the facility.
If we provide a luxury coach service between Metro and the prime location or residence area or to a Goverment Establishment, where good number of people are working, the dependency rate upon the Metro or Mono will be increased.
With the Introduction of UBER ,OLA like web controlled services , the problem is solved to little extent.But still exists.As far as a welfare state is concerned the government will think about providing required ,economically affordable connectivity to all category of commuters according to their financial stability.Affordable people opt taxis service and average people prefer autos.We can see some of the passengers are rushing on their foot to destination.
E carts and Rikshaws also cater the needs of ordinary travelling public.Common man prefer to opt any of this service.But such service couldn't travel beyond particular distance.In Such case Route bus or similar are the available options.
Bicycles and E Bicycles are the new introduction as as solution to the last mile connectivity issues.
The Amended Motor Vehicles Act 2019,incorporated provision for Last Mile Connectivity with much importance.
Need of the time is to develop a suitable scheme to provide cost effective and luxurious Last Mile Connectivity to passengers.
Let us examine the visible case of Delhi Metro which carries around 30 Lakhs of people in the capital city.The impact of Delhi Metro in the traffic infrastructure is very positive.But according to reports lot of commuters still prefer other means of transport for want of better and comfortable last mile connectivity.The Metro provides safe ,comfortable and speedy ride but when from the end of metro journey trouble starts.There arise the need of better and efficient last mile connectivity.
Normally good share of passengers approach the Metro Station or Bus stand or any location where mass transportation starts ,by bus only. Remaining will prefer auto ,taxis etc,.The share of own vehicles,Car or two wheeler,are also good.Only very small share of people prefer Other Non Motor-able mode of transports.As a result also these together will make the congestion level very high with high level of Air and Sound Pollution.
One of the better and cost effective method to provide Last Mile Connectivity in transportation system is to introduce small capacity buses or Mini Buses conducting services form the Metro or Railway to various destinations.The service must be regular and intervals of service must be less.
The features of the Last mile Connectivity program reduce traffic congestion ,Environmental protection ,reduce overall fuel consumption .At the same time it offer passengers lot of comfort and feel relaxed .
Hence properly co ordinate Last Mile Connectivity is one of the prime focus of present day traffic infrastructure development.
While devising a detailed plan for developing last mile connectivity the interest of working class like Taxi drivers,Auto Drivers ,Rikshaw Pullers etc are also to be protected.
Comments