Organising Informal Public Transport

A considerable percentage of commuters in Indian cities rely on informal modes of transport, which play a crucial role in keeping urban mobility functional. While platform aggregators have bridged gaps in information and safety, they continue to operate within a loosely regulated framework and face challenges related to transparency and accountability. In response to these gaps, emerging alternative platform models have been discused, which position drivers as key stakeholders within the system. These models aim to foster greater equity and inclusion in the sector while addressing existing inefficiencies. Drawing on global examples, this study explores various approaches from the Global South that have attempted to organise informal transport modes through more equitable, holistic, and participatory frameworks. The discussion highlights how these efforts can inform policy interventions and platform models to enhance the sustainability and governance of informal transport in Indian cities.