In simple terms, Last Mile Connectivity is the network of chain modes used for the individual commuters to reach his/her home or final destination, using any means of transport from any last junction of primary public transport. Last mile connectivity is an extremely crucial component of any transport infrastructure as it is responsible for the feasibility, reliability and safety of the passenger or user groups using the service and mostly the dependent population on that particular transport.
Rapid urbanisation and urban sprawl in the outskirts of the city typically called satellite areas or satellite towns, which are usually catering for the urban growth lack the last mile connectivity and hence result in weak last mile connectivity resulting in various key problems for the people depending on the public transport. One such example could be the last metro station or the last bus stop catering for the population who transit for work from nearby places to the city centre or wherever they are employed. The economic factor that is most certainly concerning about the working-class population is challenged directly while commuting long distances and with lack of facilities to reach back home.
Women’s Safety is one such sensitive issue which is created due to lack of last mile connectivity which in turn leads to reduced participation of women in workspaces majorly because of the poor services which ultimately force them to think twice before they travel anywhere. Infrastructure should be holistic in nature, serving all the universal measures which make it easier for people to make desired choices. Hence, satellite towns or areas of the city should be properly planned and users need to be channelled towards the spaces encouraging last-mile connectivity.
Parallel to it, another problem is for people who are in the working sector and are living away from the urban areas and rely on the last station of the public transport infrastructure to commute from their residence to the workplace which affects them financially. Their savings are reduced and expenditure is increased due to them paying more money for transiting from the workplace to home and vice versa. This at times leads them to look for work opportunities which are nearby rather than contributing to something that they are skilled at.
The possible solution to combat this problem could be ensuring efficient connectivity of linked transport channels which would help users reach their home with ease, it could be an e-rickshaw or
feeder bus serving the satellite town and could help provide employment to the people whose livelihood is dependent on public transport. Safety and security are two other major factors that have to be taken care of, for ensuring the involvement of the females in the workplace and also reliability will be enhanced if the entire micro infrastructure is developed parallel to the major infrastructure.
Last Mile Connectivity
