Mumbai: TISS intensifies ‘share kara, care kara’ campaign

Team low carbon mobility

TISS Mumbai's Transforming M Ward Project is ramping up its "Share Kara, Care Kara" campaign by working closely with commuters and auto-rickshaw drivers at Mankhurd and Govandi stations. The goal is to solve shared transport issues, reduce pollution, and ease traffic congestion. Architect Avinash Kaur, part of the project, created a special route map for shared mobility options. Volunteers are gathering feedback from everyone involved and will share their findings with officials.

Simpreet Singh, a consultant for the project, said, "Auto-rickshaws are a common and easily available option in Govandi and Mankhurd. Using shared autos is both environmentally and economically better. For example, instead of three people travelling in separate autos, they can share one, making it more efficient and supporting low carbon mobility."

The campaign, part of the Low Carbon Mobility Network, aims to make shared auto-rickshaws more available and convenient. Singh explained, "We've been promoting shared autos as a low-carbon mobility option. Share autos provide essential last-mile connectivity, especially with new Metro routes coming up. They should be included in the city's mobility plan."

TISS launched the "Share Kara, Care Kara" campaign last December with Parisar - Pune. The campaign promotes shared auto-rickshaws to ensure safety and efficiency for drivers and passengers. Since currently shared transport modes in M Ward aren't officially recognised, users and drivers face many challenges. The campaign seeks to understand these issues and suggest solutions to the transport authorities.

Objectives and activities

Engagement with commuters and service providers: The campaign prioritises close interaction with commuters and auto-rickshaw drivers to understand their transportation needs and challenges. This approach helps in developing practical and widely accepted solutions.

Route mapping: A critical activity within the campaign is mapping out the most efficient and convenient routes for shared transport. This involves studying traffic patterns, peak hours, and popular destinations to optimise travel routes.

Feedback collection: Gathering commuter feedback is a crucial aspect of the campaign. This feedback helps in identifying pain points and areas for improvement, ensuring that the solutions are user-centric.

Promoting shared mobility solutions: The campaign promotes the concept of shared mobility as a means to reduce pollution, alleviate congestion, and provide economically viable transport options. By encouraging ride-sharing, the initiative aims to make urban transport more sustainable.

Stakeholder involvement: The campaign includes participation from various stakeholders, including local authorities, transportation service providers, and the community. This collaborative approach aids in creating a comprehensive and effective urban mobility strategy.

Impact and goals

Environmental impact: The campaign aims to reduce the carbon footprint and congestion by promoting shared rides, thereby decreasing the number of vehicles on the road.

Economic benefits: By optimising routes and promoting shared rides, the campaign seeks to make transportation more affordable for commuters.

Social benefits: Improving the efficiency and reliability of shared transport to enhance the overall quality of life for residents by providing better access to essential services and reducing commute times.