Title: Problems with Mumbai Local Trains.
Author: Sanith Thyagarajan, Nitesh Nalawade, Riya D’silva
Introduction:
There are so many people who travel through Mumbai locals everyday yet most of them face problems while travelling. The platforms are crowded every single day and the main reason behind it is that the trains aren’t on time. Because of this it becomes difficult for people to reach their destination on time.
Objective: To understand the underlying phenomenon of this problem.
Literature Review:
Article 1:
The article titled “An Observational Study on Usability Issues in Mumbai Local Trains” by AbirMullick, Georgia institute of Technology, Atlanta, U.S.A G.G. Ray, Industrial Design Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, India, examines the usability challenges of the local train system, exacerbated by the city’s rapid population growth. Despite being a vital mode of transportation, the system faces issues like overcrowding, unsafe conditions, and inadequate design. Commuters resort to risky behaviors like crossing tracks due to poor infrastructure. Certain groups, such as those with mobility issues, face significant challenges boarding and alighting trains. These constraints limit people’s mobility and access to opportunities, affecting their quality of life.
Article 2:
The research paper titled, “A Survey on Mumbai Suburban Local Train Travelers” by Prof Aditi Abhyankar, Aishwarya Narayanmorthy, Department of Economics, Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai, India, has highlighted Mumbai’s local trains as vital to the city’s economic and social fabric, serving millions daily across extensive distances. A field survey delves into commuter demographics, travel patterns, and safety measures, sampling around 200 respondents. The study also examines recent initiatives aimed at easing pressure on the local train network and explores alternative transportation options for Mumbai’s commuters. Overall, it underscores the critical role of local trains in Mumbai’s transport landscape and ongoing efforts to improve commuter experiences.
Data Collection:
5 questions related to the problems faced by them while travelling through Mumbai locals were asked to about more than 100 people. Likert scale was used with a scale of 1 to 5. Mean, Standard Deviation, Standard Error and t-stat has been calculated for every question.
|
No |
Questions |
Mean |
Standard Deviation |
Standard Error |
t stat |
|
Q1 |
The trains are never on time. So, the rush during peak times increases. |
1.95 |
1.233988 |
0.123399 |
-8.50899 |
|
Q2 |
Frequency of trains should increase |
1.8 |
1.119163 |
0.111916 |
-10.7223 |
|
Q3 |
The no. of compartments should be increased in trains. |
1.95 |
1.175293 |
0.117529 |
-8.93394 |
|
Q4 |
Trains going to car shed during peak hours should be rerouted to other destinations. |
2.19 |
1.220159 |
0.122016 |
-6.63848 |
|
Q5 |
There should atleast be 1 hour of gap between ac trains in the evening. |
2.69 |
1.375801 |
0.13758 |
-2.25323 |
Data Analysis:
Conclusions:
- For Q1, the observations are: Mean = 1.95, Standard Deviation = 1.23, Standard Error = 0.123, t-stat = -8.51
Since, t-stat is lesser than -1.96 i.e., towards negative extremum. The general public highly agree that, the trains are never on time.
- For Q2, the observations are: Mean = 1.80, Standard Deviation = 1.12, Standard Error = 0.11, t-stat = -10.72
Since, t-stat is lesser than -1.96 i.e., towards negative extremum. The general public highly agree that, the frequency of trains should increase.
- For Q3, the observations are: Mean = 1.95, Standard Deviation = 1.17, Standard Error = 0.11, t-stat = -8.93
Since, t-stat is lesser than -1.96 i.e., towards negative extremum. The general public highly agree that, the no. of compartments should increase in trains.
- For Q4, the observations are: Mean = 2.19, Standard Deviation = 1.22, Standard Error = 0.12, t-stat = -6.63
Since, t-stat is lesser than -1.96 i.e., towards negative extremum. The general public highly agree that, the trains going to car sheds should be rerouted.
- For Q5, the observations are: Mean = 2.69, Standard Deviation = 1.37, Standard Error = 0.14, t-stat = -2.25
Since, t-stat is lesser than -1.96 i.e., towards negative extremum. The general public highly agree that, there should be one hour gap between AC trains in evening.
References:
- Agarwal, Shikha & Mullick, Abir & Ray, G.. (2013). An Observational Study on Usability Issues in Mumbai Local Trains. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting. 57. 531-535. 10.1177/1541931213571114.
- A Survey on Mumbai Suburban Local Train Travelers
Abhyankar, Aditi; Narayanmorthy, Aishwarya; Ramachandran, Vaishnavi; Mhapankar, Mallika. Review of Integrative Business and Economics Research; Hong Kong Vol. 1, Iss. 1, (2012): 292-303.