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Building Safety into Designing Access to Mass Transit

Bangalore, INDIA (January 31, 2015) — Today WRI India launched the Safe Access to Mass Transit Stations in Indian Cities manual, outlining recommendations for planning and implementation of mass transit station accessibility, as well as maintenance and evaluation of the results.

The manual is the first volume in WRI India’s Safe Access series, written by experts at the EMBARQ India programme, focusing specifically on areas around bus and rail based mass transit hubs. This and other WRI India publications are available online on the organisation’s knowledge-sharing platform, The Hub.

“India leads the world in the number of road fatalities, with over 140,000 reported each year. Pedestrians and cyclists are the most vulnerable road users, who, along with two-wheelers, account for close to 80 per cent of the road fatalities in megacities. WRI India’s series on safe access attempts to create guidelines and processes for implementation that emphasises non-motorised transport safety and infrastructure, women’s security and universal accessibility” says Madhav Pai, Director, EMBARQ India.

India has invested USD 15 billion in the planning and construction of 19 bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, and 10 metro rail systems across the country. These projects have the potential to provide safe, affordable commuting options, and create vibrant public spaces to serve residents’ needs. Using a case study approach, the Safe Access to Mass Transit Stations in Indian Cities manual outlines a participatory process, providing guidance on how to identify and involve diverse stakeholders in different stages through varies platforms like visioning workshops, design charrettes, and public exhibitions.

“In the face of rapid urbanisation, cities like Bangalore are recognising the need to invest in high quality mass transit systems to meet the increasing transport demand. While this is good, it is important for us to think comprehensively about mass transit station areas, and ensure connectivity so that commuter experience can be made safer and more convenient. The Safe Access to Mass Transit in Indian Cities manual addresses these challenges and outlines solutions that can aid planners in this process.” Manjula V., IAS, Commissioner, Directorate of Urban Land Transport.

Over the last four years, EMBARQ India has worked closely with a number of cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Hubli-Dharwad and others assisting in developing station accessibility plans. Some examples include plans for the Indiranagar and Swastik metro stations in Bangalore, Navanagar BRT station in Hubli-Dharwad, road safety improvements along the Mumbai Metro corridor, to name a few. The Safe Access Manual draws on the experience of these projects, and provides adapted learnings from global examples to inform planning processes and guidelines, implementation and maintenance strategies and evaluation indicators.

“The manual suggests a ‘safe access approach’ that includes priority for pedestrians and cyclists, an integrated feeder network via buses, rickshaws and taxis and infrastructure, improved safety and security, parking management, and enhancing the station areas a public space accessible to all” says Sonal Shah, lead author of the manual.

The key takeaways focus on planning approaches, institutional structures, and financing mechanisms to address the challenges in implementation of station accessibility plans. One recommendation is that mass transit authorities and municipal corporations act as nodal agencies while the state or metropolitan authorities ensure co-ordination between local, state, and line agencies. A critical aspect of any project is evaluation. The manual recommends plan assessments, implementation evaluation, and quality of service and impact assessment at different stages of the project. It also puts forth key performance indicators to monitor progress and translation of station accessibility objectives. It is envisioned that this manual will serve as a guide to planners and authorities while building mass transit infrastructure so that our cities can be safer by design.

Learn more about the role of urban design in creating safe, accessible transport systems in the Safe Access Manual here.

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