Beyond the station: influence of first- and last-mile factors on Delhi MRT ridership

Abstract

Promoting ridership in public transportation systems necessitates a seamless and positive user experience, particularly in the first and last-mile connectivity, which significantly impacts overall trip satisfaction. This study focuses on evaluating first and last-mile connectivity factors in the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, emphasizing user experiences to understand their influence on ridership. The study is set in Delhi, a rapidly expanding metropolitan city with a population exceeding 30 million, where the MRT system serves as a backbone for urban mobility and already experiences substantial ridership. However, improving first and last-mile connectivity remains critical to sustaining and increasing transit usage. Given the constraints of time and resources, this research will concentrate on specific metro station typologies within Delhi, namely terminal, interchange and passing stations. The study majorly focus on: (1) socio-economic demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and income; (2) out-of-vehicle experiences encompassing waiting time, safety and security, ease of transfer, comfort, and social environment; (3) mode availability, including options such as walking, biking, carpooling, ride-hailing, and driving; and (4) traveller attributes, such as vehicle ownership, trip purpose, and physical disabilities. This study includes a systematic review of existing literature to establish a robust theoretical foundation for the research and identify best practices in first and last-mile connectivity. Additionally, correlation analysis using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) will be conducted to determine the relationships between user experience variables and ridership levels. Furthermore, Geographic Information System (GIS) visualization will be employed to analyze spatial distribution patterns of F&LM connectivity across different station types. The study identifies accessibility, affordability, and safety as key first and last-mile factors influencing metro ridership. All three commuter typologies exhibit similar behavior with slight variations—daily commuters prioritize affordability, occasional travelers focus on accessibility, and long-distance commuters emphasize safety. Enhancing these factors can significantly improve metro usage and connectivity. Ultimately, the findings of this study will provide actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers to enhance first and last-mile connectivity, thereby fostering greater public transit adoption. Keywords: Public transport, first and last-mile connectivity, parameters, ridership, user experience.