A Conceptual Framework to Assess the Influence of Weather on Transport Sustainability in the Indian Context

This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between weather patterns and transport sustainability, with a particular focus on the Indian context. It highlights how extreme weather events, such as higher temperatures and intense precipitation, significantly alter commuters' ridership dynamics and contribute to increased traffic congestion and carbon footprints. The study emphasizes the vulnerability of transit users to adverse weather conditions, particularly during waiting or walking to transit stops. A key aspect of the research is the evaluation of transport modes, which is crucial for selecting appropriate options for traveling. The chapter introduces a multi-criteria decision-making framework that integrates various factors, including weather conditions, travel time, cost, safety, and environmental impact. This comprehensive approach allows decision-makers to weigh multiple criteria simultaneously, providing a robust method for evaluating and optimizing transportation options under different climatic scenarios. The research underscores the need for adaptive strategies and policies to enhance the resilience and sustainability of transportation systems in the face of climate change. It also addresses the gaps in existing studies, which often overlook the integration of advanced decision-making tools to analyze transport preferences and their impact on sustainability. The chapter presents a novel combination of grey theory and the analytic hierarchy process, offering a sophisticated method for analyzing mode choices and improving travel efficiency. Additionally, it introduces a technique to accurately measure the transport footprint and assess the effects of accelerated footprints on the sustainability of transport infrastructure. The study concludes that adopting a combination of land use planning, public transportation, and economic policies can significantly reduce the environmental footprint, making it an essential read for those interested in sustainable urban mobility.