Commuting in Ahmedabad: What do locals think about the city's public transport options?

As Ahmedabad grows and traffic becomes more of a daily headache, public transport systems are playing an increasingly important role in keeping the city moving. On this World Public Transport Day, it's the perfect time to take a closer look at how different transport options are shaping the city's connectivity, sustainability, and ease of travel.

From the Metro's speed and comfort to AMTS buses' affordability, each mode has its own set of perks and challenges for daily commuters. Along the way, we’ll also hear from Amdavadis about their everyday commuting experiences!

Launched in 2009, Ahmedabad's BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System), designed by CEPT University, was created to provide a quicker and more efficient way to navigate the city. The system features dedicated lanes, allowing the BRTS buses to bypass regular traffic.

These air-conditioned buses are frequent, and you can usually find one every few minutes. With the added convenience of the Smart Card payment system, passengers don’t need to worry about buying tickets every time. However, during peak hours, the buses can get crowded, which can be a bit uncomfortable.

The AMTS (Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service) buses have been around for decades, offering an affordable way for Amdavadis to travel across the city.

While AMTS buses are cost-effective and cover a vast network, they can be a bit slower compared to other modes of transport, especially during rush hours when the roads are crowded. Despite this, the card system helps streamline the payment process.

Ahmedabad’s Metro, launched in 2019, has quickly become a favourite for many looking for a faster and more comfortable option to commute. The metro offers a sleek, modern ride with air-conditioned coaches and digital payment options via the Metro Card.

It’s one of the fastest modes of transport in the city, helping passengers avoid the traffic completely. However, the metro network is still expanding and doesn't yet cover all areas of the city. New stations are planned to extend the reach of the metro, and once completed, it will become even more accessible for daily commuters.

Auto rickshaws are a convenient and flexible mode of transport for short trips across Ahmedabad. Available almost anywhere at any time of the day, rickshaws are ideal for those looking to reach their destination quickly without waiting for a bus or metro.

In recent years, services like Ola and Uber have made it even easier to hail a ride, allowing commuters to book auto rickshaws via their apps, reducing the hassle of negotiating fares or finding a driver. However, fares can still be a bit unpredictable at times, with some drivers charging higher rates based on distance or time of day.