The 6 X-factors unifying urban mobility in 2023

Kolkata: Urban mobility, over time, was a potent symbol of the great divide between the rich and the poor. A prime vestige of the class system, the public bus and the private vehicle defined a contrast that was both telling and humiliating.

But then, 2023 is imminent, and the world is a newer place. Chiefly armed by technology and ably aided by the pandemic, folks are getting closer to each other than ever before, a combination of circumstance and opportunity. This is exactly why, the year on the anvil promises to be a great leveller, adjusting the demands of each dominion while unifying them under a compelling imperative. This exposition is designed to be a thought-opener and not a definitive verdict, and you may certainly have a firm opinion.

The first X is surely the mobile phone, armed with equitable 5G and available at an astonishing array of price points. On any form of transportation, both young and old are glued to their chosen nectar, such as a live-streamed Cricket match, a downloaded nugget of content or even an expansive video call. Whether you are a CXO or Delivery Assistant, it plays an invaluable role in the daily workday and is certainly the highest common factor for seamless productivity. Assisting the adoption is affordable access to high-class technology, bridging the scarcity-induced bandwidth barriers.

The second X is clearly the backpack, of interest as a business to Gucci as well as the neighbourhood Chinese clone. To qualify as a potent equaliser, its contents rarely vary across socio-economic strata, invariably not excluding a laptop or equivalent, pen and paper, books, easy munchies, spare woollies and one more thing, which will be elaborated in the next paragraph. Its utility is manifold - hands-mobility, optimal load on muscles, self-sufficiency, easy storage and all-weather utility. Whether on an Emirates First Class cabin or a Mumbai Local First Class bogey, the value for the users is significant and indeed, comparable.

The third X is invariably the plastic water bottle, often included as part of the backpack ensemble. Evian may be the choice of the wealthy, Aquafina the preference of the mainstream or plain old home water the prerogative of the paisa crunchers. As a happy successor of clunky flasks, this transfers the control of on-the-move health to the traveller, no longer dependent on unreliable jaundice-inducing sources of the temperamental Zero B filters. Easy disposability is a valuable quality, reducing the baggage weight, or for the more intrepid reusability is an acceptable opportunity.

The fourth X is increasingly the Metro, at least in the centres where it is truly functional and the NCR version quite counter-intuitively takes the inspired lead. In a deeply status-conscious topography, even the wealthiest surrender their personal A6 at the nearest station, to beat the imposing traffic via a very comfortable air-conditioned ride. During the rapid trek, they are likely to encounter every strata of society, unified by a common affection for productivity and efficiency, whether compulsory or voluntary. This pattern is set to implode further, as environmental consciousness becomes more mainstream in our AQI-terrorised cities and the metro spreads its wings even more rapidly.

The fifth X is convincingly the Athleisure slip-on shoe, made famous by Skechers and impressively caricatured by fellows across the universe, from high street boutiques to footpath collectives. While enjoying the ergonomic mobility of sports shoes, they are increasingly acceptable in business settings, relishing a hybrid stature that galloped at a faster rate than covid. Being early days yet, it is rather tough to distinguish the Platinum Card originals from the PayTM fakes, and that adds much to its already-entrenched versatility. Equally at ease on Italian marble as well as corrupt concrete, finally bridging the leather-rubber divide that led to much confusion. Not to forget its intuitive compatibility with formals, denim and the toughest customer of all, the Indian traditional wear.

The sixth X is unfortunately the face mask, now being asked to play a challenging double role, to combat the Chinese devil as well as air pollution. It is now obvious that 2023 will witness a fresh round of proactive measures against the resurgence, as stern regimes will reappear in public places, as starters. While the pollution data points will suggest stronger action points and the connection between covid mortality and diminished lung performance is swiftly being established. In spite of air purification devices, both enemies spare neither the rich nor the poor, and that is why masks can be bought for a pretty song or an Armani boutique, selectively playing fashion accessories for those with the moolah.

It can be logically argued that the 6 X-factors ( mobile internet, backpack, plastic bottle, Metro, Athleisure shoe and face mask) are not just aiding but actually unifying urban mobility, diminishing erstwhile class barriers. Aligned in base formats, they are available and aspirational across purchasing power cohorts, thus building sub-hierarchies of stature within a larger continuum. Most interestingly, the universality is acceptable for all - the memsahib does not squirm at her mobile because her cook is using hers, while the medical rep in the metro continues her loud video call without paying undue reverence to her hoity-toity neighbour.

Urban mobility is a key indicator of the socio-economic progress of a nation, however much we may hate traffic jams and crowded public transport. What is indeed heartening is the democratisation ( however cliched) of the key accessories, which may well have other significant positive spinoffs in a historically classist society. 2023 promises to be an important year for this to grow, bolstered by enormous opportunities and challenged by significant foes.