Factors that has role play in deciding what mode of transport to use

In situations of urgency or when there is a time constraint people shell out more
money even though their efforts are still to minimize this cost.
For short distances any means of transport is welcome because of fixed cost
component for operation of services here and is generally priced similar to the bus
fares. The benefit to the service provider works out from the mileage aspect of the
vehicle.
For long distances it is just not only the cost compounded with the comfort & luxury
but also the convenience that needs to be considered. This brings in the aspect of
service quality of the service provider. At times by increasing the frequency of the
service or providing faster mode in a particular route (based on people movement
density) can enable one to adopt that particular service. But of the two criteria
mentioned above it is generally the frequency of service factor that plays an
important role in mass adoption as it provides them commuters more flexibility in
their daily activities.
Faster services would be an added advantage but this is often provided only at
higher cost.
One must also look at the movement density of the population to conclude if the
additional (waterways) service that is to be provided makes sense to them at all or
is useful for them in anyway i.e. will it help them go faster or will it be economical.
Metros are successful because they are both economical and faster. Also servicing
them is not as cumbersome as canals (because of silting problem)

Convenience also includes using lesser means/mode of transport to reach the

destination as it pertains to both effort and cost criteria.
Enhancing the route Network
One way to reduce the travel time is reduce the number of stops. This can be used
for company employees.
Security- It is not difficult to ensure security on the ships/boats but it is difficult to
ensure security in the link zones. Success of a new mode of transport partly
depends on this.
Can bring certain goods directly into the city without unloading the goods at the
Hooghly port (reduces both on the labor and land transport cost). This can reduce
the cost for many commercial entities. Entities can buy/rent certain portion of space
on the ship for their purposes.
Price performance analysis
Cost measurement
Average distance travelled in a week

Average money spent in travelling (Bus pass )

Average wait time at the bus stops/metros- Need to compete on this criteria if
waterways is to be used for regular commuting purpose
Average weight/volume of goods transported into the region or from the region to
the ports
Average distance the goods are transported from/into the region
Average amount spent in transporting the goods
Compare the speeds of the bus metro and ships