‘Climate tickets’ mooted by Greenpeace, Public Transport Forum in urban mobility policy

With the Union Budget around the corner, Greenpeace India, in collaboration with the Public Transport Forum, has unveiled a Citizen’s Draft Policy for Affordable Public Transport in India.

This citizen-driven policy, developed through extensive consultations with experts and stakeholders, seeks to overhaul the country’s inequitable and underfunded public transport system, emphasising inclusivity, sustainability and operational efficiency.

The draft policy presents a timely opportunity for the government to align public transport reforms with India’s climate goals and economic priorities.

“The upcoming Union Budget is a chance for the central government to demonstrate its commitment to a cleaner, greener future by prioritising investments in accessible and affordable public transport,” said Aakiz Farooq, a campaigner at Greenpeace India, which is part of a global network advocating for environmental protection and social justice, with a presence in over 55 countries.

“This isn’t just about subsidies or free rides; it’s about the state’s obligation to ensure equitable access to mobility for all, especially marginalised groups,” he said.

At the heart of the draft policy is the introduction of ‘climate tickets’ — fare-free and subsidised public transport passes designed to make mobility affordable for everyone.

The initiative prioritises vulnerable demographics such as women, children, the elderly, transgender individuals and persons with disabilities, with the ultimate aim of universal implementation. The policy identifies critical issues hampering India’s public transport system:

• Overinvestment in ‘roads’: Excessive funding for road expansion and flyovers at the expense of public transport which disproportionately benefits private vehicles.

• Inadequate infrastructure: Insufficient bus fleets, unsafe conditions and limited accessibility for marginalised groups.

• Funding gaps: Chronic underfunding of operations, maintenance and service improvements.

To address these concerns, the draft proposes the following:

1. Fare-free public transport: Phased rollout of free or subsidised travel through Climate Tickets.

2. Resource reallocation: Shift funding from road, metro and fossil fuel subsidies to public transport infrastructure.

3. Infrastructure modernisation: Expand bus fleets, create dedicated lanes and improve last-mile connectivity.

4. Worker protections: Ensure fair wages, gender inclusivity and recognition of transport jobs as green jobs.

5. Dedicated funding mechanisms: Establish state-level public transport funds supported by central, state and municipal contributions.

6. Climate funding integration: Position public transport as a key tool for emission reductions and leverage domestic and international climate finance.

7. Citizen engagement: Foster transparency and inclusivity through user unions, multi-tier governance and regular policy reviews.

8. Public awareness campaigns: Address stigma around fare-free transport and advocate for accessible and affordable mobility.

Highlighting the rising political interest in fare-free public transport, Nishant, coordinator of the Public Transport Forum, said, “Our draft policy offers a roadmap for states and the central government to adopt measures that ensure consistency, sustainability, and equity. It underscores how public transport can serve as a cornerstone for India’s climate and social justice commitments.”

The PTF is a Delhi-based initiative to highlight the importance of public transportation for Indian citizens and holds that ‘affordable public transport is a right, not a privilege’.

Speakers for both Greenpeace India and the Public Transport Forum at the launch emphasised the need for financial commitments and policy measures to make public transport inclusive, efficient and climate-friendly.