Public transportation in Mumbai is generally reliable, extensive, and very cheap, but unfortunately, it is crowded, dirty, and sometimes dangerous.
Millions of locals rely on buses and trains to get to and from work every day. Trains packed well over safe capacity limits often lead to deaths and injuries from people falling or being pushed out of the train compartments. The buses are not as dangerous, though finding a seat can be a problem unless you are among the first to board.
Taxis are cheap and plentiful. They are found everywhere in Mumbai from Colaba to Powai and beyond. You can choose between flagging down a non-air conditioned taxi or hiring a comfortable taxi with AC in advance.
Rickshaws, which are basic, small, three-wheeled vehicles, are an easy and inexpensive means of transport for short rides through the suburbs.
Plans for a subway system have been in the works for years and is finally expected to have its first phase finished at the end of October 2013. The hope is that much of the traffic congestion will be alleviated. But until the completion of a subway system, perhaps, the majority of expats will rely on private transportation, taxis, and rickshaws.
The Mumbai Monorail is currently under construction. Once completed, the monorail will cover 135 kilometers. The first line, which covers about 20 kilometers in the Eastern Suburbs, is presently being built and is expected to be finished by 2015.
