UK, India collaborate to improve public transport

Transport for London (TfL) and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways India (MoRTH) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation in urban transport policy, planning, technology transfer and institutional organisation for transport on January 10.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari along with Chief Technology Officer and Director of Customer Experience TfL, Shashi Verma signed the MoU.

The MoU provides a framework for TfL and MoRTH to work together sharing expertise to improve public transport system in selected cities in India. This collaboration between the two authorities will cover urban mobility solutions such as passenger information services, electric vehicle mobility, digital ticketing, major project financing, operations and maintenance strategies, and behavioural change and public transport promotion.

TfL is the local government body responsible for integrated public transport system in London. British High Commissioner to India Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG, was present at the event and he welcomed the collaboration between the two countries.

He said: "TfL has become a great brand due to the extraordinary service that it provides in London, and the UK government would be delighted to work with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways as the plans develop further. There is already much to celebrate in terms of UK-India partnership in Pune, Amaravati, and Indore, and we look forward to supporting TfL and MoRTH in the delivery of the project."

Minister Nitin Gadkari said that on his recent visits to London, he was impressed with the integrated approach of public transport. He said, he would like to adopt a similar approach in Indian cities to address the problems of pollution, traffic jam and passenger service. This collaboration will further strengthen ties between the UK and India.

Shashi Verma said that the aim of the MoU is to facilitate TfL to bring London's expertise in integrated public transport to Indian cities for solving traffic problems, reducing environmental impact and developing solutions which are responsive to citizens' needs. This would have a positive impact on India's overall urban experience and economic growth.

TfL has the responsibility for the operation of London Underground, London Buses, Docklands Light Railway, London Overground, TfL Rail, London Trams, London River Services, London Dial-a-Ride, Victoria Coach Station, Santander Cycles and cable car. The UK is the country partner for building three smart cities in India, namely Indore, Pune and Amaravati.