Sustainable Urban Development Through Public Bus System Financing: An Indian Multicity Study

Abstract

One of the major challenges facing Indian cities today is the need to generate and manage local-level finances, improve the quality and frequency of bus services, and develop multimodal transport systems. This study examines the generation and management of local finances, the enhancement of bus services, and the development of multimodal transport systems in Indian cities, specifically Pune, Bangalore, and Indore. Selected for their similarity in size and high rankings on domestic indices—Ease of Living Index (EoLI), Municipal Performance Index (MPI), and Swachh Bharat Mission—these cities provide a representative analysis of broader urban transport issues. A ratio analysis of financial allocations for bus service management and procurement within city budgets was conducted, utilizing a descriptive methodology and secondary data from municipal documents, official websites, scholarly articles, and news reports. The findings reveal critical insights into the fiscal challenges and potential solutions for public transportation systems in India, highlighting the necessary financial commitments for improving bus service quality and ridership. Furthermore, the study suggests recommendations based on best practices for advancing sustainable urban bus transportation in line with Sustainable Development Goal 11.2, offering a valuable reference for policymakers in allocating resources effectively for public transit infrastructure.