Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has launched Low Emission Access to Public Transport (LEAP), a program aimed at strengthening last-mile connectivity and encouraging greater use of public transport, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. As part of the pilot phase of the programme, MetroRide will deploy electric autorickshaws as last-mile service from Yelachenahalli and Indiranagar stations of Namma Metro in Bengaluru. As a step to encourage and include women in the urban mobility scene, MetroRide, an AI-powered electric ride-hailing solution for daily commuters, has trained around 25 female drivers to drive electric rickshaws in the said area. Rides can be booked through the MetroRide app.
The program was hosted by Mr. Olivier Loison, MD, Alstom India, Mr. Srinivas Alavilli, Member, WRI India, Mr. Rajeev Gowda, Vice President, Karnataka Transformation Government Institute and Smt. Kalpana Kataria, Executive Director (Connectivity and Asset Management), Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India, said: “Namma Metro will play a key role in easing road transport challenges in Bengaluru, and as leaders in sustainable mobility, there is no better way forward for us.” Promoting public transport instead of LEAP. Through our partnership with WRI India and leveraging the innovations that Alstom-mentored startup MetroRide brings to the table, we have taken a remarkable step in bridging the last-mile connectivity challenge with this program. “Together, we will leverage innovation and expertise to implement solutions that improve the metro experience, making it more accessible, efficient and environmentally friendly.”
Bengaluru is one of the most populated cities in the world and has the highest number of private vehicles in India. Although the Metro service has expanded rapidly over the years, a recent WRI India survey found that 70% of commuters are deterred by poor last-mile connectivity to the Bengaluru Metro. Women, who make up only a small portion of metro commuters, face additional challenges due to unsafe or inconvenient last-mile connections and chronic underrepresentation in the male-dominated transportation workforce. LEAP aims to address these concerns by not only improving women's access to the Bengaluru Metro, but also actively contributing to increasing women's participation as drivers in the transportation workforce by promoting a more inclusive and sustainable urban mobility environment.
Mr. Srinivas Alavilli, WRI India Member, said: “Our collaboration with Alstom and MetroRide is based on a commitment to data-driven decision-making in public transport. Addressing the critical last-mile connectivity gap prevalent in India's metro networks, our collective efforts aim to provide urban commuters with a safe, low-cost and low-emission mode of transport. Beyond revolutionizing the daily commute, LEAP is committed to promoting sustainable livelihoods, especially for our female driver partners. “This initiative not only closes gaps in urban mobility, but also fosters socio-economic change, underscoring our commitment to creating positive and lasting impact in the communities we serve.”
WRI India's pivotal role in the success of LEAP includes conducting detailed commuting surveys as well as facilitating focus group discussions with both commuters and motorists. Their ongoing support also includes working closely with MetroRide to design and test LEAP's operating model, evaluate the service's progress, and analyze insights that contribute to the project's data-driven approach and overall effectiveness.
Alstom continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable mobility through strategic investments through the CSR route. The partnership with NRSCEL, IIM Bangalore's incubator for StartUps, is evident in the Sustainability Incubation Programme, a pioneering initiative that supports startups committed to combating climate change and tackling various sustainability and mobility challenges. The first batch of the Sustainability Incubation Program was successfully shortlisted and nurtured ten startups; The second group of the program is currently continuing.
Thereupon, Alstom introduced LEAP as a flagship program under the impact pillar, aiming to solve last-mile connectivity challenges and advance the adoption of sustainable mobility in India. This program is expected to soon include other metro stations, which will help increase metro ridership by providing connections to high-frequency hubs.