[blackwasp]

You might be wondering what the purpose of this thread is. As an enthusiast, I always look out for the next opportunity to drive, but where the primary aim is to get from one place to another, a car may not be the best option, especially if it involves driving during peak hours.

Multimodal transportation simply means the way people travel by multiple means of transportation including driving / riding (cars / bikes), taking a bus or train, cabs, or even renting a car or an electric cycle on a short term basis.

With the ongoing metro construction, lack of parking and increasing number of vehicles on the road, driving in Mumbai is no longer fun. It also takes a lot of time and makes you miserable especially if you are behind the wheel. It's not unheard of to have commute times of over 4 hours every day. In some of the Western suburbs, the peak hour traffic speed is even less than walking speed.

Why I choose public transportation in Mumbai.

I stay in Navi Mumbai and my work takes me to Mumbai. I also happen to frequent almost all the parts of the Mumbai region including Vasai-Virar / Panvel, Thane, etc. on a monthly basis. Over time, I have realised that not only is taking out my car stressful, but also time consuming. Further, finding parking is tricky in many places.

1. Office commutes - Thanks to fixed timings, the AC bus service run by NMMT was chosen. The morning trip used to be predictable, but on the way back, the bus got delayed due to traffic. I could easily spend this time listening to some podcasts, music or even take a nap. If something urgent came up, I always had the opportunity to fire up my laptop as well. Bus stop to office / home was done walking or by an auto on those rare occasions that I got bored.


2. Zoomcar - For airport drops and pickups, I take a Scorpio from Zoomcar. The costs are at par with taxi rates for larger cars + some deals make it even sweeter. Not the most comfortable car out there, but with the 3rd row seats folded, it can accommodate a serious amount of luggage. Even if there are multiple guests coming over, the Scorpio is the designated luggage car! It also came in handy to transport some stuff for a friend when he was moving houses.


During some town side meetings, when I was not getting a cab, I figured out that renting a Zoomcar for a day is at the same price / cheaper. This happens when dad takes the car. It's also an opportunity to try our different cars. I got this Figo for Rs. 900 for 5-6 hours, while an Uber one way would be easily above Rs. 500.


3. Local trains - I don't use trains frequently due to the crowds, but they are an excellent way to travel in non-peak hours. Consider this, a fast train from Dadar to Vasai takes under an hour while driving your car could easily take you 2.5+ hours. One evening, coming back from Kandivali to home, it took me just 2 hours by taking a combination of trains and an auto. Try that in your car.

Most train stations have car, bike and cycle parking making it possible to leave your vehicle in a secured parking while you use the trains for a speedy commute. The last mile connectivity can be taken care of by other means.


4. Metro - The metro is a great option for East-West connectivity. Though not very useful for us living on the other side of the pond, there have been instances when reaching Andheri was faster by taking a bus to Chembur, an auto to Ghatkopar metro station and then towards Andheri in the metro. With the construction of new lines underway, it's not going to be long before we get a much better public transport experience.


5. BEST buses - The bright red buses are a highlight of the city. They operate from early morning to late night. On certain routes, they start as early as 5 am and run up to 1.30 am. I have relied on them many times and barring stray breakdowns, never had any problems. Can't say that they are the fastest way to get around, but they are cheap, convenient and hassle free.

Source

6. Taxi - Thanks to aggregators like Ola and Uber along with the regular kaali-peeli taxis, there is no shortage of cabs to get you around the city. With options like Uber Pool, these can be a good alternative to your car. My Uber trips usually include getting back home after a late night. Nothing beats the convenience of app-based cab services. You know that there will be a car to take you to your destination. For shorter trips, I prefer black & yellow cabs.


7. Cycling - What initially started as a hobby is now a mode of transport for me. From local errands and medium distance trips (20 km), I have used my cycle multiple times over the years apart from the usual morning rides. Cycling brings about an interesting perspective and allows you to not only beat the traffic, but also take in the sights.


There has also been a shared cycle service called as Yulu in Navi Mumbai. The best part is that they allow different pickup and drop locations and it's super handy to have one point right outside my apartment and other convenient locations like bus stops, train stations, major attractions etc.

Source

8. Walking - This is the easiest form of transportation. Often ignored, or considered trivial, it's a vital part of getting around town. Not only is it healthy for you, but there are still some pedestrian only paths that cut across neighbourhoods and take you to your destination faster, while taking a car would mean going all the way around.


Thanks to all the abovementioned ways, I am able to not only reduce my travel time, but also make commuting less stressful. And as a bonus, I look forward to taking my car out on the weekend.

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[Shreyans_Jain]

Not a Mumbaikar but I visit often for work. Let me begin by saying that overall, Mumbai has the most efficient system of public transport I have seen in India. This is coming for a Delhi guy. However, the basic and biggest hurdle I face with public transport in Mumbai is the heat and humidity. You cannot escape it if you take the local or auto. There is no way you can get from the airport to Thane or Parel or Churchgate or Crawford by any combination of public transportation while remaining presentable. You WILL get all sweaty and stinky. While the local is undoubtedly the quickest and most efficient way to get around Mumbai, I have spent many many hours in the air conditioned comfort Ubers and Olas just to remain presentable.

[Eshan Joshi]

Originally Posted by blackwasp

where the primary aim is to get from one place to another, a car may not be the best option, especially if it involves driving during peak hours.

Same thing in Banglore. My family uses public transport when ever possible. My father only use our car for commuting to work or for buying groceries . For other stuff we just take a cab or the Volvo bus or we just go walking if it's nearby.

[ninjatalli]

Originally Posted by blackwasp

Multimodal transportation simply means the way people travel by multiple means of transportation including driving / riding (cars / bikes), taking a bus or train, cabs, or even renting a car or an electric cycle on a short term basis.

9. A 2 wheeler

I can not argue the benefits of this option enough. Works like magic for 80% of traveling requirements in the city, which is generally a short 10 - 30 mins trip across a few suburbs or around one's area itself. And use the other transport options for longer trips.

The bike I have had for the last 10 months in the city has done wonders so far. So much that we started looking out for a scooter for my wife as her office is beginning to now enforce a 2 day work@office setup. She was not very enthusiastic about a 2 wheeler in Mumbai a year ago, but now she's completely on board. A gearless scooter like an Activa is the best case. Even a used one will do - and these age very well so a decade old option in decent condition would not hit the wallet much at all.

8. Walking - This is the easiest form of transportation. Often ignored, or considered trivial, it's a vital part of getting around town

A disclaimer when it comes to walking in Mumbai. Always take directions offered by a Mumbaikar with a pinch of salt.

For example - if he tells you your destination is just around the corner, chances are its a few kms away atleast

[silverado]

I am currently in Pune but i am a Mumbaikar is every sense. So much that i am at ease even when travelling by PMPML - the worst public transport service in country.

I have grown up in Dadar, bus travel was and still is ( Pre -covid ) the preferred mode of transport for me. I know most bus routes passing through my area by heart even after so many years

New AC midi buses look great and are the way ahead since even Bus stops are occupied by parked cars these days! and cant accomodate full size bus.

Walking, in so many scenarios its the quickest mode ( for 2-4 kms distances in peak hours ) and most Mumbaikars walk at a brisk pace.
Cycling : I would totally avoid this, since its not at all enjoyable in a hot humid and noisy city like Mumbai.

[Researcher]

I was in Mumbai (Powai to be specific) during my student years, and I must agree with BHPian Shreyans_Jain that Mumbai has one of the best transportation systems in India. I will rate it slightly above my experience in Delhi. One can travel the entire city with a very small amount of money. I used to take the train from Kanjurmarg to CST at a cost of Rs. 10 for 30kms if memory serves me right! And that was also the fastest mode of transportation (took exactly 41 minutes every time without fail)! Only once did I face an issue due to some electrical snag but that will be less than 1% if I take into account all the travelling I did. My parents, who visit Mumbai once every 1-2 years, call the local trains the lifeline of the city.

Add to that the plethora of BEST buses and seldom did I have to walk more than 15-20 minutes to reach anywhere. I did not even have to opt for a taxi except in very rare cases. And for a student on limited funds, it cannot be better. Plus as BHPian blackwasp pointed out, one can do their own work without focussing on driving. I had seen a plethora of people do their work or watch videos or simply socialise!

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by blackwasp

I got this Figo for Rs. 900 for 5-6 hours, while an Uber one way would be easily above Rs. 500.

This is fine provided you know for sure you don't have to hunt for a place to park, as parking comes at a premium in Bombay. Other wise, the best way is to hail a cab (Uber or local) or auto. Our 3 wheelers may be uncomfortable and not as safe but you will be surprised how fast they move and can fit into gaps no car can.

Originally Posted by blackwasp

From local errands and medium distance trips (20 km), I have used my cycle multiple times over the years apart from the usual morning rides.

This is fine but I urge anyone who does this to wear a mask and some goggles. When you cycle, your breathing cycle is deep and fast, depending on your pace. Over a long period of time, exposure to dust, pollutants and pollen, can lead to severe respiratory problems. I suffer from it.

I lived in Bombay for a year, back in 2005 and fell in love with the place. Sure, the heat, humidity and crowds can get to you and especially for folks like me who have only lived down south where quality of life is generally better, more easy going. I relocated without my motorcycle. Had to travel from L&T Sakinaka to Andheri station, walk over the railway line and hop another bus from there to Veera Desai road, where my office was. Was all done by bus. I never waited more than 10 minutes max for a bus. I once had to work till 3am and when I got out of office (IL&FS, BKC complex), there were autos waiting! Heck he went on the night charge meter too. The occasional weekend trip to Dombivili to meet friends was done by train. There is nothing that beats the speed and punctuality of Bombay's local train. Today, you have fast AC locals. Getting around Bombay is something you never have to worry about.

[am1m]

Not a Mumbaikar, but married to one and have spent a long time in that city over the years. I really can't imagine driving in Mumbai...and I'm from Bangalore! (World's worst traffic!).

First time I went on the Mumbai Local with friends, more than 20 years ago on my first visit to the city, I was floored- one of them said the train would be at our station at a certain time and we would reach across the city at a certain time and it was down to the minute! (Then I was quite literally floored on to the train by the crowd pouring in and out! ) Over the years I've learned some of the tricks and and have had my share of mishaps too, once I circled Dadar station twice because I didn't know which side the platform was on and with the crowd, couldn't get off! But now I can't imagine getting around Mumbai with out the Local. Parking is ridiculous, the traffic is even worse than Bangalore (if that's possible). And though I've heard the auto guys are getting worse, they are still a looong way from reaching the abysmal levels of Bangalore or Chennai auto guys. I once got an auto from Andheri to Bandra at 1am and the guy used the meter (1 1/2, but still started the meter)...and gave me back change. Coming from a lifetime of our wonderful Bangalore auto guys, I was almost in tears!

Mumbai public transport may be uncomfortable and sweaty, but it works. Really shocked by the condition of the BEST buses though, sad that the financial capital of the country has such run down buses, definite room for improvement there.

[ASDT]

I stay at Thane and I have been using these app based AC bus services called CityFlo and GoKruze for my daily commute to different places in Mumbai (depending on my client locations).

I think they are really convenient as they have a fixed number of stops and you can reserve your seats before hand. They are quite dependable and are almost always on time. I find them to be better than cabs as they have a good frequency (most busy routes have one bus every 15 minutes or so and the fact that you don't have to explain the Uber driver your location every time you book a cab). It costs 140 bucks per ride and the apps are quite user friendly as well.

When I started working a few years back, I was really excited to drive to work. Soon enough I was spending 3-4 hours a day just sulking in traffic. These buses have made me have a lot more time to myself.

[AZT]

Had to go for a friends wedding in Ulhasnagar. Thought I'd drive it up as didn't want to crumple the suit in train, this turned out to be one of the worst drives of my life. Took me 2.5 hrs to get there in traffic.

The same friend invited me for his sons 1st bday party later
Insisted I had to come so couldn't back out. This time went to Dadar and took a direct train to Ulhasnagar, 45 mins and there. Peak hour rush is a pain but non peak hour is way more efficient for long distance travel.

[StarBoard]

I am a consultant doctor at a South Mumbai hospital and reside at Thane. And although I sometimes do take my car to work (85 km round trip from home in peak hour traffic DAILY), I can proudly say that nothing beats the local trains in terms of sheer speed. Whenever I have switched to my car, I have ditched it in a few days and take the local trains (in spite of the heat, humidity, rains, pollution). For anyone familiar, try taking the 5:00 PM Ambernath fast from CSMT just to experience the thrill. It is the fastest suburban train in Mumbai, halting only once at Dadar before reaching Thane in less than 35 minutes (distance of 34 km). Now try doing it in any million dollar supercar in peak hour Mumbai traffic!

[jalsa777]

I am completely with the OP here. I have almost given up on the car for travelling in Mumbai. For all my daily commutes, I use the scooter and when i need to go slighty far, it is the train or cab. Driving is just a pain.
In fact go to Andheri from Dadar during the evening, I generally take my scooter upto ghatkopar station and then take the metro from there. That's better than evening rush hour on the local.
All far away travel is best done by train. And yes, east-west in any area is best of foot. Just cross the foot-bridge and take a cab/auto/bus.

[ketan007]

It's a good thread.

I stayed in Navi Mumbai (Sanpada) for 1.5 years. My college was St. Xaviers (near CST), and I traveled the whole year on local trains. Coming from Pune, I was used to riding a bike/car in the city. It wasn't easy earlier to switch to local transport. But after a month or so, I was so accustomed to it that I found it difficult when I went back to Pune. In Pune, the public transport is not so good.
I traveled most of the parts of Mumbai and all using local transport. I used to meet my girlfriend at Vashi station most of the time. Local trains/transport in Mumbai is fun.
You don't have to worry about
- road traffic
- parking space at the destination
- no worries about the vehicle being damaged if parked in a cramped spot etc
- traveling is faster by trains

And there are autos in front of any big societies to take you to the station. Apart from trains, my modes of transport were autos, taxis, and walking.
This thread brought back many good memories.
Cheers!

[GrandTourer]

I was born and brought up in Mumbai, and I can say that it has the best all round public transport system in India IMHO.

During school and college days, all of our commuting was don't in one of the above modes, as we didn't have a car back then. And there was never a single day when we faced any issues getting to our destination on time.

Originally Posted by blackwasp

....

8. Walking - This is the easiest form of transportation. Often ignored, or considered trivial, it's a vital part of getting around town. Not only is it healthy for you, but there are still some pedestrian only paths that cut across neighbourhoods and take you to your destination faster, while taking a car would mean going all the way around.
Attachment 2019712
....

I agree that walking is one of the most unappreciated mode of commuting. During my college, a friend and I used to walk from College (in Andheri) to home (in Versova) daily about 5kms, because we found walking to be more fun and rewarding than standing in a crowded bus during peak hours.

I hope that the Metro and road construction is completed soon, and vaccinations are done sooner so that we can enjoy the local trains and metros again.