Studying Operational Dynamics of Public Bus System: A Case of Lucknow City, India

Abstract

In the era of rapid urbanization, the public bus system is struggling to become the main mode of transport in Indian cities. The co-existence of private city bus system and intermediate para-transit modes [shared auto-rickshaws, vikrams (6-8 seater shared 3-wheeler) and e-rickshaws] has created more competition for the public bus system instead of complementing it. This paper discusses the existing institutional arrangement of public bus systems in Lucknow city and identifies the challenges of organizations to operate an efficient public bus system. The study is based on primary survey and structured interviews of public bus service operators, representatives of private bus operators, representatives of employee unions, auto-rickshaw & vikram drivers, officials of public transport authority and Regional Transport Office (RTO). The study explores public bus governance system and administrative hierarchy of the city to understand its existing operational process. The role of travel cost and comfort in passenger’s choice of travel mode is discussed. The financial performance of the LCTSL shows the continuous losses. The paper contributes to identify the role of institutional framework to operate a successful public bus system. The analysis and findings will lead to the use of these modes in an integrated manner to complement and promote public bus system in a city.