In a study released by the TomTom Index, Pune, India, ranked as the seventh most congested city in the world. The traffic problems in Pune can be attributed to a growing population, inadequate public transportation infrastructure, and a surge in private vehicle ownership. The car-centric urban environment is exacerbating public health issues through heightened air and noise pollution, significantly impacting emotional wellbeing by reducing relaxation time, limiting exercise opportunities, and increasing stress levels due to prolonged time spent in traffic (Pollock, 2016). The research aim is to understand the residents of Pune’s relationship with private vehicles, the key factors influencing the attitudes towards private car usage, and the extent these values inform transportation choices. The methodology includes quantitative and qualitative research, with a view to map strategies that would encourage residents to switch from private vehicles to public transportation, as well as to identify how this transition can be facilitated. Results confirm that the primary reason for the high number of private vehicles is the lack of a reliable public transportation system, particularly for work and school commutes. Recommendations for improvement include upgrading infrastructure by investing in more air conditioned buses, more frequent buses and providing real time updates. Bus routes need to be revised with a focus on key routes serving workplaces and schools, connecting major transportation hubs and recreational areas through data and community-driven planning, and lastly utilizing informal transport (auto-rickshaws) to address first and last-mile connectivity challenges. Ultimately, the study underscores that positively altering the residents' relationship with urban mobility will consequently affect the well-being of the urban fabric: the place, the people, and its ecology. 

Key Words: Urban mobility, Sustainable transportation, design for public transport, Pune, India, South Asia, public transportation, car-centric cities

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