A multilevel analysis of urban infrastructure and active commuting in Mumbai: Unraveling the determinants of non-motorized transport

Introduction

This study aims to explore the intricate relationship between the built environment and active transport within the context of the Global South, utilizing household travel survey data from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to offer new insights into the complex interactions between urban form and active travel (AT) propensity, frequency, and duration.

Methods

The study focuses on the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India, one of the nation's most densely populated urban areas. Data were acquired via a household travel survey, compiling demographic specifics, household attributes, and travel logs from 126 households.

Results

Our findings reveal that age, employment status, income, education level, and vehicle ownership significantly impact active travel patterns. The built environment, including factors such as block density, proximity to public transport, and land-use diversity, shows varied effects on active travel propensity, frequency, and duration. Notably, these effects differ between work-related and non-work-related trips, highlighting the importance of considering trip purpose in urban planning and policy-making.

Conclusions

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of active travel behaviour in Mumbai, offering valuable insights for policymakers in emerging economies. By revealing the complex relationships between socio-demographic factors, built environment features, and active travel patterns, this research contributes to the academic discourse on sustainable urban mobility and provides a framework for creating more sustainable, and efficient urban transportation systems in the growing cities of the Global South.