Digital Payment Adoption in Urban Transport Services: An Empirical Study of Maha Metro, Aapli Bus, Taxis, Auto-Rickshaws, and E-Rickshaws

Abstract

In the field of city mobility, the digital payment technologies have made long strides to ensure a cashless, secure and comfortable city journey. The purpose of this study is to analyse the various digital payment platforms that are being adopted in Maha Metro, Aapli Bus, Taxi, Auto Rickshaw, E-rickshaw by the users, the reasons influencing the acceptance of these platforms by the users as well as the hurdles faced by the service providers and commuters. Passengers and the transport operators were sampled using an empirical research design and their primary data was obtained using a pre-designed structured questionnaire, which was analysed using statistical methods suitable for the study. The results show the key factors influenced digital payment adoption to be convenience, transaction speed, ease of use, perceived security, and government initiatives. However, factors such as substandard internet speed and connectivity, failed transactions, lack of digital skills and the risks of cyber-security still keep expansion at bay. It highlights various opportunities in strengthening digital infrastructure, users' awareness and access and in securing payments to increase the rates of cashless payments, thereby improving the efficiency, inclusiveness and sustainability of urban transport usage.