MULTI MODAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM: As Green Initiative

INTRODUCTION
Involves co-ordinated use of different modes of transportation, particularly in metro cities. In metro cities the urbanization and migration pattern have direct impact on intra-urban , sub urban and inter-urban transport and vice versa. Hence various modes of transports such as metro, bus, feeder bus etc. are required to be integrated with each other

 The role of the each mode should be complement to main mode and not compete with other mode of systems. Thus, green initiatives are important to provide sustainable development approach to MMPTS i.e. availability of various modes provides access to the development of economy and regional growth and limits CO2 emission within the environments ability to absorb them.

Concept of multi modal public transport

Offers public transportation systems which are connected and integrated with one another so that the trip using public transportation from origin to destination will be more effective and efficient, both in time and cost. An integrated system of road, rail, water, air based transport. Has integrated schedules of many routes. Therefore. MMPT can be one solution to attract private vehicle users to use public transport so that it can reduce the volume of vehicles on the highway.

Components of multi modal transport system

MMPTS involves Rail facilities Bus facilities Water facilities Air facilities Passenger waiting area Commercial facilities Ticketing offices Parking facilities Vertical and horizontal passenger link.

Design approach is required to integrate all these components for evolving of efficient transport system. It includes assessment of various parameters related to passenger movement, functional requirements of whole system, existing facilities and operation conditions, etc and their projection for future demand and supply.

Multi modal transport project in INDIA

A)HYDERABAD
In Hyderabad, MMTS includes local train service in the city. It is operational since 2003, an associate of south central railway and is presently running 84 services per day, covering 27 stations. The first phase covers the distance of 43 kms at a cost of Rs173 crores. Transportation in Hyderabad constitutes 1) MMTS Stations 2) RAILWAY Stations

 The Falaknuma- Hyderabad is a rapid transit service of MMTS of Hyderabad and it covers 17 stations. There is a combined pass issued by the state owned Road Transport Corporation and MMTS. Hence, purchasing a single pass allows to travel by the bus as well as the train.

B) DELHI
The govt. of Delhi has developed an integrated MMTS Project using different modes. These modes includes BRTS, light rail and monorail in addition to metro and the present bus services duly integrated through multimodal interchange points. To implement this project, the govt. of NCT, Delhi has incorporated a Special Purpose Vehicle under the name of DIMTS on 19th April, 2006. It is responsible for all aspects of implementation, operation and maintenance of proposed project and associated infrastructure.

Constituents of MMPTS,DELHI and their role in Green Transport

Metro services Delhi metro has become the 1st railway project in the world to be registered by UN under the Clean Development Mechanism(CDM) which will enable it to claim Carbon Credits. Under the project, DMRC will earn Certified Emission Reduction(CERs) for the use of regenerative braking system in its rolling stock under which, on the application of brakes the kinematic energy so released starts a machine known as Converter- Inverter (CI) which enables recovery of a major portion of consumed electricity.

Regenerative Braking in Metro Rolling Stock

Due to frequent acceleration & de-acceleration requirements, energy demand is very high. Traction accounts for about 60-80% of total energy consumption in a Metro system. By using intelligent blending of regenerative and pneumatic braking, optimization of energy recovery is achieved. In addition to saving of electricity, regenerative braking provides additional benefits in form of lesser wear of wheel and brake pads.

 If efficiently employed, this system helps to reduce heat load inside tunnel and thus reduce Air Conditioning load. It helps in mitigating Global Warming by way of reducing carbon emissions due to reduced electricity requirements from grid. Metros have taken several energy saving initiatives like regenerative braking, rationalization of trains during off peak hours, building energy management etc. Quantum of energy regenerated varies from 5% in Hong Kong KCRC to 30% in Lisbon Metro and 34% in Delhi Metro.

Schematic Diagram of DMRC Rolling Stock Propulsion key Converter Inverter is the equipment, which extracts the kinetic system
,

energy from vehicle during braking and reconverts into electricity.

Bus servicesMain mode as widely spread and connected by road network. Recently, new CNG-Electric Hybrid Buses were introduced . CNG-Electric hybrid Tata Star Bus is a result of alternate fuel technologies, including electric vehicles comprising of an internal combustion CNG engine and an electric motor using regenerative energy system Offers sustainable improvement in fuel economy and thus leads to lower CO2 emission contributing to more environment-friendly commercial passenger transportation applications.

 Bicycle & walking- are basically access and egress modes to public transport. In order to promote these modes Delhi Cycling Club launched Heritage Ride in Sept. 2007. It promotes cycling as environmental friendly and healthy mode for short trips and creates awareness amongst the people about the rich heritage & monuments of Delhi. Climate bicycle & bus ride is a two year program launched in June 2009 to raise awareness about climate change and green house gas emissions amongst the public.

PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Cycle for Hire Scheme at Delhi Metro- encourages the people to use bicycle for short distance at Delhi metro & nearby area with nominal charges. Pool Cycle to Pedal in Bengaluru- the ministry of urban development is planning to introduce the concept of pool cycle in garden city which will be operated by private agencies & NGOs. Bicycles will be stationed at important points like Bus stand , parks etc. and bicycles will be given on rent with nominal fees. The system which exists in France is being tried in Bengaluru on pilot basis.

 Bengaluru Bus Day- event started by BMTC on 4th day of each month starting from Feb 2010 with objective to encourage more people to take the bus on that day instead of their private vehicle. On this day feedbacks are also taken for the further development in public transport system.

Green Urban Transport: Govt. Initiatives

Green fuel - the Euro IV or Bharat stage IV is the countrys most environmental friendly fuel and India's largest step toward green vehicles as it is mandatory in most of the metro cities across the country as they are expected to translate into less pollution better mileage of vehicle owing to lower quantity of sulphur in diesel. Cost of the fuel is slightly high and varies according to taxes across the states.

Personal Rapid Transit System(Pod)

Recently, the government of Haryana proposed this project which facilitates last mile connectivity 4-6 seated battery powered vehicle without a driver uses rubber wheels usually runs on elevated guide ways. The stations can be integrated into already existing buildings, facilitating direct entry into malls, hotels and offices. estimated to be a Rs 5000 crores project in Gurgaon.

Personal Rapid Transit Vehiclethe only Presently, Heathrow airport is

place where Pod is operational. Such Pod can be proved as Green Rapid Transit System.

CONCLUSION
The sustainable MMPT requires integration of multiple modes with emphasis on mass rapid transit and non-motorized transport. Its success depends on network integration, unified ticketing system etc. Unified ticketing system must be based on affordability and socio-economic characteristic of mass users and for this, co-ordination and cooperation among different transport authorities or operators is required.

CONCLUSION
It is important to develop green modes both in terms of technology and infrastructure. It is estimated that green tyres (tyres with lower rolling resistance) increases fuel efficiency by 6% to 8%. Fuel choices for public transport must be based on environmental demand & efficiency and fuels like CNG, LPG, Bio-fuels etc. must be promoted by restricting CO2 emission norms.