Street Frontier
@streetfrontier.bsky.social
Advocating for active mobility, urban planning, cycling, traffic management, pedestrian infrastructure, parks, policies, and more in India.
https://streetfrontier.com
https://streetfrontier.com
Metro coaches don’t come in the same size or shape, but choosing the right configuration to match demand can make a significant difference to both the system’s efficiency and the passenger experience.
streetfrontier.com/why-are-big-...
streetfrontier.com/why-are-big-...
Why are our big cities choosing medium capacity metro trains?
Metro coaches don’t come in the same size or shape, but choosing the right configuration to match demand can make a significant difference to both the system’s efficiency and the passenger experience....
streetfrontier.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Metro coaches don’t come in the same size or shape, but choosing the right configuration to match demand can make a significant difference to both the system’s efficiency and the passenger experience.
streetfrontier.com/why-are-big-...
streetfrontier.com/why-are-big-...
Chinese railway stations have giant waiting halls full of seats, while Indian stations are platform-centric, where passengers are expected to wait directly on the platform instead.
Hope we change it.
Hope we change it.
October 4, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Chinese railway stations have giant waiting halls full of seats, while Indian stations are platform-centric, where passengers are expected to wait directly on the platform instead.
Hope we change it.
Hope we change it.
While Congestion Pricing is a noble idea, the implementation is going to be much harder.
In my post, I list 9 such challenges.
streetfrontier.com/why-congesti...
In my post, I list 9 such challenges.
streetfrontier.com/why-congesti...
Why congestion pricing won't be easy to implement on Bengaluru's outer ring road
Congestion pricing has emerged as a powerful tool to combat rising traffic and gridlock in cities worldwide. It began with just a handful of cities in the late 2000s but has gained momentum in recent ...
streetfrontier.com
September 27, 2025 at 11:13 AM
While Congestion Pricing is a noble idea, the implementation is going to be much harder.
In my post, I list 9 such challenges.
streetfrontier.com/why-congesti...
In my post, I list 9 such challenges.
streetfrontier.com/why-congesti...
Japan has traditionally relied on suburban rail and metro trains to connect different parts of the city and beyond.
Trams were never part of the equation.
But that seems to be changing.
contd..
Trams were never part of the equation.
But that seems to be changing.
contd..
September 24, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Japan has traditionally relied on suburban rail and metro trains to connect different parts of the city and beyond.
Trams were never part of the equation.
But that seems to be changing.
contd..
Trams were never part of the equation.
But that seems to be changing.
contd..
Shanghai Metro Line 11 is a good example of what happens when the wrong kind of rail system is built.
Instead of a suburban commuter rail, the city built an 82-km metro line with 25 stations, running at an average speed of about 40 km/h.
contd..
Instead of a suburban commuter rail, the city built an 82-km metro line with 25 stations, running at an average speed of about 40 km/h.
contd..
September 23, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Shanghai Metro Line 11 is a good example of what happens when the wrong kind of rail system is built.
Instead of a suburban commuter rail, the city built an 82-km metro line with 25 stations, running at an average speed of about 40 km/h.
contd..
Instead of a suburban commuter rail, the city built an 82-km metro line with 25 stations, running at an average speed of about 40 km/h.
contd..
India is set to follow Japan's footsteps in urban planning for building new cities and redeveloping existing ones.
1. As part of the new National Spatial Policy, 50 regional urban planning blocks are planned for cities with population of more than 10 lakhs.
contd..
1. As part of the new National Spatial Policy, 50 regional urban planning blocks are planned for cities with population of more than 10 lakhs.
contd..
September 13, 2025 at 6:52 AM
India is set to follow Japan's footsteps in urban planning for building new cities and redeveloping existing ones.
1. As part of the new National Spatial Policy, 50 regional urban planning blocks are planned for cities with population of more than 10 lakhs.
contd..
1. As part of the new National Spatial Policy, 50 regional urban planning blocks are planned for cities with population of more than 10 lakhs.
contd..
In Odisha, Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) introduced electric rickshaws and integrated them with its bus fleet to improve first- and last-mile connectivity.
This stands out as both unique and essential, since last-mile solutions are almost always framed around Metro systems.
contd..
This stands out as both unique and essential, since last-mile solutions are almost always framed around Metro systems.
contd..
August 30, 2025 at 10:45 AM
In Odisha, Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) introduced electric rickshaws and integrated them with its bus fleet to improve first- and last-mile connectivity.
This stands out as both unique and essential, since last-mile solutions are almost always framed around Metro systems.
contd..
This stands out as both unique and essential, since last-mile solutions are almost always framed around Metro systems.
contd..
When you double the capacity, you need to double the width of doors.
Indian railways did a hackish job with its custom made double decker trains by retaining the same door width.
In comparison, look at European model. Wide and airy.
And it offers level boarding too.
Indian railways did a hackish job with its custom made double decker trains by retaining the same door width.
In comparison, look at European model. Wide and airy.
And it offers level boarding too.
August 28, 2025 at 10:31 AM
When you double the capacity, you need to double the width of doors.
Indian railways did a hackish job with its custom made double decker trains by retaining the same door width.
In comparison, look at European model. Wide and airy.
And it offers level boarding too.
Indian railways did a hackish job with its custom made double decker trains by retaining the same door width.
In comparison, look at European model. Wide and airy.
And it offers level boarding too.
When people say trams won’t work in India.
Here’s my solution:
1. Fence some routes.
2. Convert few streets into pedestrian only.
3. Ensure priority signaling at intersections to maintain speed and reliability.
And see the traffic disappear.
Magic.
Here’s my solution:
1. Fence some routes.
2. Convert few streets into pedestrian only.
3. Ensure priority signaling at intersections to maintain speed and reliability.
And see the traffic disappear.
Magic.
August 24, 2025 at 3:14 PM
When people say trams won’t work in India.
Here’s my solution:
1. Fence some routes.
2. Convert few streets into pedestrian only.
3. Ensure priority signaling at intersections to maintain speed and reliability.
And see the traffic disappear.
Magic.
Here’s my solution:
1. Fence some routes.
2. Convert few streets into pedestrian only.
3. Ensure priority signaling at intersections to maintain speed and reliability.
And see the traffic disappear.
Magic.
If Indian cities want to build cycling tracks, they should first connect schools with the nearest residential neighborhoods where children are most likely to live.
Students would then choose to cycle to school.
contd..
Students would then choose to cycle to school.
contd..
August 22, 2025 at 5:09 PM
If Indian cities want to build cycling tracks, they should first connect schools with the nearest residential neighborhoods where children are most likely to live.
Students would then choose to cycle to school.
contd..
Students would then choose to cycle to school.
contd..
In 2019, a committee appointed by central govt released a report on how Special Economic Zones in India need to evolve.
This was headed by eminent industrialist Baba Kalyani, who is the Chairman of Bharat Forge.
This was headed by eminent industrialist Baba Kalyani, who is the Chairman of Bharat Forge.
August 19, 2025 at 2:01 PM
In 2019, a committee appointed by central govt released a report on how Special Economic Zones in India need to evolve.
This was headed by eminent industrialist Baba Kalyani, who is the Chairman of Bharat Forge.
This was headed by eminent industrialist Baba Kalyani, who is the Chairman of Bharat Forge.
Every new arterial road built in our cities should have mandatory bus lanes.
Currently, no such policy exists, but an amendment is required to enforce at least one dedicated lane for buses in each direction.
Currently, no such policy exists, but an amendment is required to enforce at least one dedicated lane for buses in each direction.
August 18, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Every new arterial road built in our cities should have mandatory bus lanes.
Currently, no such policy exists, but an amendment is required to enforce at least one dedicated lane for buses in each direction.
Currently, no such policy exists, but an amendment is required to enforce at least one dedicated lane for buses in each direction.
Autonomous trams are slowing making their way into European cities.
August 16, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Autonomous trams are slowing making their way into European cities.
Mumbai has built significantly more apartments under slum rehabilitation than any other Indian city.
One reason is that Mumbai has historically attracted large-scale migration, leading to a substantially higher share of people living in informal housing.
contd..
One reason is that Mumbai has historically attracted large-scale migration, leading to a substantially higher share of people living in informal housing.
contd..
August 16, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Mumbai has built significantly more apartments under slum rehabilitation than any other Indian city.
One reason is that Mumbai has historically attracted large-scale migration, leading to a substantially higher share of people living in informal housing.
contd..
One reason is that Mumbai has historically attracted large-scale migration, leading to a substantially higher share of people living in informal housing.
contd..
State transport agencies should exit the premium inter-city segment entirely and focus instead on:
1. City buses
2. Expanding coverage with basic buses across the state
3. Improving road infrastructure
4. Providing charging and resting facilities
contd..
1. City buses
2. Expanding coverage with basic buses across the state
3. Improving road infrastructure
4. Providing charging and resting facilities
contd..
August 15, 2025 at 2:07 PM
State transport agencies should exit the premium inter-city segment entirely and focus instead on:
1. City buses
2. Expanding coverage with basic buses across the state
3. Improving road infrastructure
4. Providing charging and resting facilities
contd..
1. City buses
2. Expanding coverage with basic buses across the state
3. Improving road infrastructure
4. Providing charging and resting facilities
contd..
New Rochelle, a suburb of New York did something interesting.
It offered tax breaks to real estate builders, and in return, 10 percent of the upper floors in new residential buildings were reserved as affordable homes for tenants earning 80 percent of the area's median income.
It offered tax breaks to real estate builders, and in return, 10 percent of the upper floors in new residential buildings were reserved as affordable homes for tenants earning 80 percent of the area's median income.
August 10, 2025 at 8:27 AM
New Rochelle, a suburb of New York did something interesting.
It offered tax breaks to real estate builders, and in return, 10 percent of the upper floors in new residential buildings were reserved as affordable homes for tenants earning 80 percent of the area's median income.
It offered tax breaks to real estate builders, and in return, 10 percent of the upper floors in new residential buildings were reserved as affordable homes for tenants earning 80 percent of the area's median income.
The author should get an award for this writing this headline.
August 9, 2025 at 9:52 AM
The author should get an award for this writing this headline.
Remarkable Helsinki !!
1. The city built a comprehensive network of cycling paths spanning over 1,500 kilometers.
2. It expanded public transportation system with electric & self-driving buses.
3. It installed 70 new speed cameras & a policing strategy focused on its "Vision Zero" policy.
1. The city built a comprehensive network of cycling paths spanning over 1,500 kilometers.
2. It expanded public transportation system with electric & self-driving buses.
3. It installed 70 new speed cameras & a policing strategy focused on its "Vision Zero" policy.
August 9, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Remarkable Helsinki !!
1. The city built a comprehensive network of cycling paths spanning over 1,500 kilometers.
2. It expanded public transportation system with electric & self-driving buses.
3. It installed 70 new speed cameras & a policing strategy focused on its "Vision Zero" policy.
1. The city built a comprehensive network of cycling paths spanning over 1,500 kilometers.
2. It expanded public transportation system with electric & self-driving buses.
3. It installed 70 new speed cameras & a policing strategy focused on its "Vision Zero" policy.
We need to take a hard look at our ring roads in Indian cities.
They have become safety hazards, are poorly implemented, and have contributed to unplanned growth around them.
🧵..
They have become safety hazards, are poorly implemented, and have contributed to unplanned growth around them.
🧵..
July 27, 2025 at 2:26 PM
We need to take a hard look at our ring roads in Indian cities.
They have become safety hazards, are poorly implemented, and have contributed to unplanned growth around them.
🧵..
They have become safety hazards, are poorly implemented, and have contributed to unplanned growth around them.
🧵..
Articulated buses deserve a second chance in Indian cities.
Several cities already had these, but were retired overnight.
With growing urban population and consistently overcrowded transit systems, these high-capacity vehicles are crucial!
streetfrontier.com/the-missing-...
Several cities already had these, but were retired overnight.
With growing urban population and consistently overcrowded transit systems, these high-capacity vehicles are crucial!
streetfrontier.com/the-missing-...
The missing piece in India's bus transit puzzle - articulated buses
If you’re a millennial or an older Gen Z, you might fondly remember spotting, or even riding – one of those long snaking articulated diesel buses that once roamed the streets of Bengaluru. Those bendy...
streetfrontier.com
May 12, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Articulated buses deserve a second chance in Indian cities.
Several cities already had these, but were retired overnight.
With growing urban population and consistently overcrowded transit systems, these high-capacity vehicles are crucial!
streetfrontier.com/the-missing-...
Several cities already had these, but were retired overnight.
With growing urban population and consistently overcrowded transit systems, these high-capacity vehicles are crucial!
streetfrontier.com/the-missing-...
Italy does a great job of integrating its transit modes.
and it shows!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mozg...
and it shows!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mozg...
Why Italy’s Public Transit Just Works
YouTube video by Street frontier
www.youtube.com
April 21, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Italy does a great job of integrating its transit modes.
and it shows!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mozg...
and it shows!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mozg...
Reposted by Street Frontier
Hi BlueSky, first post here 👋
I used a system today that has convinced me that rail systems are the future of a city's mobility, especially large cities. Here's a thread on some observations of mine in the MRTS system of Chennai. @bangaloretransit.bsky.social @streetfrontier.bsky.social
I used a system today that has convinced me that rail systems are the future of a city's mobility, especially large cities. Here's a thread on some observations of mine in the MRTS system of Chennai. @bangaloretransit.bsky.social @streetfrontier.bsky.social
March 15, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Hi BlueSky, first post here 👋
I used a system today that has convinced me that rail systems are the future of a city's mobility, especially large cities. Here's a thread on some observations of mine in the MRTS system of Chennai. @bangaloretransit.bsky.social @streetfrontier.bsky.social
I used a system today that has convinced me that rail systems are the future of a city's mobility, especially large cities. Here's a thread on some observations of mine in the MRTS system of Chennai. @bangaloretransit.bsky.social @streetfrontier.bsky.social
"Low-floor bus" is often a misunderstood term.
Even bus companies' marketing materials mix up "low-entry" and "fully low-floor" buses. It's important to know the difference, as it can drastically affect the onboard experience.
I dig deep on this topic.
streetfrontier.com/fully-low-fl...
Even bus companies' marketing materials mix up "low-entry" and "fully low-floor" buses. It's important to know the difference, as it can drastically affect the onboard experience.
I dig deep on this topic.
streetfrontier.com/fully-low-fl...
Fully-Low-Floor vs Low-Entry buses – A minor detail that makes a huge difference
The type of bus a city chooses affects how many people it can move, how easily they can board, and the experience they have onboard. India has traditionally favored high-floor buses, which still make ...
streetfrontier.com
March 8, 2025 at 4:09 PM
"Low-floor bus" is often a misunderstood term.
Even bus companies' marketing materials mix up "low-entry" and "fully low-floor" buses. It's important to know the difference, as it can drastically affect the onboard experience.
I dig deep on this topic.
streetfrontier.com/fully-low-fl...
Even bus companies' marketing materials mix up "low-entry" and "fully low-floor" buses. It's important to know the difference, as it can drastically affect the onboard experience.
I dig deep on this topic.
streetfrontier.com/fully-low-fl...
I trace the history of Jaipur's BRTS system and uncover the details of its selective neglect by the authorities.
A more expensive Metro system was favored even when it was found unfeasible.
A bad combination of politics, lack of funds and poor priorities.
streetfrontier.com/how-jaipurs-...
A more expensive Metro system was favored even when it was found unfeasible.
A bad combination of politics, lack of funds and poor priorities.
streetfrontier.com/how-jaipurs-...
How Jaipur's BRTS system was systematically destroyed for an unfeasible Metro
By 2005, traffic in Jaipur was on the rise, prompting both the central and state governments to address the issue urgently. In 2006, the central government introduced the National Urban Transport Poli...
streetfrontier.com
February 24, 2025 at 2:44 PM
I trace the history of Jaipur's BRTS system and uncover the details of its selective neglect by the authorities.
A more expensive Metro system was favored even when it was found unfeasible.
A bad combination of politics, lack of funds and poor priorities.
streetfrontier.com/how-jaipurs-...
A more expensive Metro system was favored even when it was found unfeasible.
A bad combination of politics, lack of funds and poor priorities.
streetfrontier.com/how-jaipurs-...
I investigated the worst-planned Metro system in India.
17 years lost in planning with zero progress on the ground. 👎
Meet the "Chandigarh Metro".
streetfrontier.com/chandigarhs-...
17 years lost in planning with zero progress on the ground. 👎
Meet the "Chandigarh Metro".
streetfrontier.com/chandigarhs-...
Chandigarh's Metro failure is a warning for smaller cities in India - Street Frontier
In the early 2000s, buoyed by the success of the Delhi Metro, several large and small cities in India began exploring the Metro system as a solution to rising traffic and congestion. Chandigarh was on...
streetfrontier.com
February 20, 2025 at 8:33 PM
I investigated the worst-planned Metro system in India.
17 years lost in planning with zero progress on the ground. 👎
Meet the "Chandigarh Metro".
streetfrontier.com/chandigarhs-...
17 years lost in planning with zero progress on the ground. 👎
Meet the "Chandigarh Metro".
streetfrontier.com/chandigarhs-...