642 Evaluation of the odd-even policy on the safety of commuters in NCT Delhi, India

Background The odd-even policy was implemented in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi thrice, each time between 8 am and 8 pm: January 2016 (phase I), April 2016(phase II), and 4th to 15th November 2019(phase III). Under this policy, the odd-numbered cars ply on odd dates and even-numbered cars on even dates of the month. Some of the exemptions announced during the policy were motorized two-wheelers (M2W), vehicles of the President and Prime Minister, emergency vehicles, vehicles carrying school children, women travelling alone, and electric cars, summing up to twenty-nine categories. The main objective of this policy was to curb pollution and bring a change in people's travel behaviour. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the policy on commuters' modal shifts and to assess the safety of these changes. Methods The data was collected using a web-based questionnaire sent to 400 commuters based in and around Delhi/NCR. The response rate was about 34%. Around 136 respondents answered, and after data cleaning, the final sample size considered for the analysis was 130. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the development of the logistic model. Policy Implications The descriptive analysis showed that the majority of the respondents were men (55.4%) and were from Delhi (66.2%). The policy had some notable implications and benefits. Around 41% of the respondents shifted their mode of travel due to the policy implementation. There was a reduction in the usage of cars by 23.1%, which indicated decreased traffic congestion, lowered emissions, and improved air quality. Additionally, the increase in public transportation usage, with metro usage up by 3.9% and bus usage up by 10%, indicated a shift towards a more efficient and sustainable urban transport system. The reduction in car use also indicated that commuters resorted to modes of transport other than motorized two-wheeler (M2W), as M2W usage did not change. This shift suggested that the policy encouraged the use of public transportation and shared rides, contributing to a safer and more efficient transportation system. Conclusions The policy improved commuter safety in Delhi by encouraging a shift from car usage to public transportation, carpooling, and taxis. The policy likely reduced traffic congestion and accident rates by decreasing the number of vehicles on the road. Although M2W usage remained unchanged, the shift to safer transport modes like buses, metros, and shared rides enhanced overall commuter safety.