What can a seven-horsepower rickshaw bumping across India teach America about the future of transit? For one transit leader, the answer was a surprising mix of efficiency, pragmatism, and culture — lessons hidden in plain sight on roads half a world away. 

Mike Finnern, senior vice president and national zero-emissions fleet lead at WSP in the U.S., recently embarked on an adventure that proved it. 

Finnern participated in the Rickshaw Run, organized by The Adventurists, across India with two of his best friends, Kyle Taylor and Jon Thomas.

The run took place over the first three weeks of April 2025, covering over 2300 miles across India, from Kochi in the south to Jaisalmer in the northwest. 

Finnern and his friends formed the team "Seven Horsepower of Hell," named after the seven-horsepower rickshaws they drove on their own unique route through the country. 

"You definitely have to have the right teammates for something like this because there's a lot of togetherness," said Finnern. 

The opportunity had many attractive qualities for Finnern, as it fulfilled his love of travel and adventure and allowed him to chart his own course using informal transportation, such as a scooter, public transit, or, in this case, a rickshaw. “It’s the best way to really see and feel a country, literally!” he said. 

A charitable aspect was also at play, with Finnern's team raising $1,000 for Cool Earth, a nonprofit that fundss communities to protect forests and combat the climate crisis. Finnern’s team contributed to the collective $50,000 raised by all participants. 

Within 10 to 12 hours of driving each day, Finnern recounts the mental and physical demands that allowed his team to experience the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures of India, including the distinctive public transit infrastructure. 

In the U.S., public transit struggles can range from post-pandemic ridership declines to service cuts, low population density, car-centric infrastructure models, and even fragmented transit systems, but those aren't hard-and-fast stopping points. 

Evolution is possible, especially if various global scales are used as indicators of what works. Who knows, it may be as simple as a mindset change. 

Public Transit Abroad and the U.S.

One thing that surprised Finnern in India was how common it was to see a bus. No matter what, they were everywhere. 

"Obviously, there were tons in urban areas, but then we would be out on a dirt road in what seemed to be very rural areas with low population densities for India, and here comes a bus, usually taking up its traffic lane and ours," said Finnern. 

More people in India rely on public transit than here in the U.S., a change attributed to the rise of car-centric, suburban environments over the past 70 years. While buses are still an option, Finnern noted that using a bus to travel between towns or over longer distances is less prevalent in the U.S. than it once was. 

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), 45% of Americans lack access to public transportation. In comparison, transportation efficiency in India, measured by ridership, is very high. Buses, rickshaws/tuk-tuks, and even scooters are packed to capacity. The latter options support the first- and last-mile needs between transit stops. It’s very common to hitch a ride with a passerby to get to your final destination. 

What feels ordinary in many parts of the world stands out to Finnern, especially compared to the U.S., where single-occupancy vehicles remain the norm. 

The technical takeaway? The U.S. could benefit from expanding reliable bus service, promoting shared ridership, and exploring flexible community-based transit. 

Pragmatism Vs. Perfection

Another quality Finnern took back from witnessing India's transit infrastructure and accessibility is "form over function." He notes that some buses look like they should be retired, but they are still being used on routes every day. 

"They prioritize getting the job done over the form, so to speak," Finnern said. "Perfection doesn't get in the way of progress." 

Cosmetic issues, such as faded paint, dents, cracked seats, or an older-looking exterior, might make a vehicle seem unfit in Western eyes.  

In the U.S., such wear often pushes transit agencies toward costly overhauls or replacements to improve brand image or meet aesthetic social standards. 

Although regulations or high costs drive some of the decisions transit agencies must make, the pursuit of perfection shouldn't deter those with a vision who want to make it work. Building "ideal" infrastructure is an important step, but a shift is in order that focuses on moving people efficiently, which may require certain social expectations to evolve. 

Decentralized Charging and the Rise of CNG

Finnern witnessed affordable sustainability solutions across the transition to cleaner mobility. In major cities like Mumbai and Delhi, electric buses are already widespread, and even tuk-tuks, which are traditionally gas, diesel, or CNG-powered, have electric versions available. 

Charging infrastructure is often decentralized, meaning relying solely on centralized depots with dozens of chargers is not as much of an issue. Finnern noted that many operators charge vehicles at home or in smaller facilities, distributing the load across the grid. 

"This eases the burden versus having a big yard with a lot of chargers and a high point-load for the utility," said Finnern. 

Compressed natural gas (CNG) also plays a significant role, which Finnern said is potentially supported by a tariff structure that makes it more affordable as a domestic and commercial option.  

According to a 2025 report from Crisil Intelligence, an ongoing push for cleaner fuels is predicted to push the CNG vehicle count in India to 7.5 million, a threefold increase from 2.6 million in fiscal year 2016. 

Crisil also reports a rise in competitive intensity, expansion into new geographic areas, and narrower infrastructure gaps, all of which contribute to CNG's growing popularity in India. 

Widespread EV or alternative fuel adoption doesn't necessarily require perfection or multimillion-dollar solutions. In most areas, bus yards are essential for maintaining smooth transit operations and will serve as the foundation for accessible, cost-effective adoption of new technologies. 

"You just have to work within the capability of the vehicles that you have," said Finnern. 

Blending Global Lessons for People-Centered Mobility

An interesting key difference in India's mobility ecosystem, as Finnern observed, lies in cultural values and roadway hierarchies. The "right-of-way pyramid" places cows first, then buses and trucks above private cars, with the principle that vehicles carrying more people should have priority. “It’s like BRT service in the U.S. but with every bus, all the time instead of dedicated routes only,” said Finnern. 

This thinking on the road could improve traffic flow and also signal respect for high-capacity, shared transportation. 

"By letting them in and letting them get to wherever they're going more quickly, it just makes for a better form of transportation," said Finnern. "Then you're likely to want to use it." 

Transit is also deeply social. Buses are everywhere, even on rural dirt roads, and always full. 

Shifting the road culture to value shared transit would require both policy and mindset changes. Prioritizing buses, making room for high-capacity vehicles, and reframing transit as a place of human connection rather than just mobility could help build stronger communities while easing congestion. 

This global example illustrates four interconnected takeaways for the U.S.: 

• Efficiency: Maximize vehicle use by prioritizing high-capacity transit. 
• Pragmatism: Focus on function over perfection, like getting systems working and improving them over time. 
• Sustainability: Leverage affordable clean energy technologies, such as electric buses or alternative fuels like CNG, where it makes sense. 
• Cultural Priorities: Elevate shared transit in road culture and policy to reinforce its value. 

By blending global lessons with local innovation, U.S. transit agencies can build systems that are technologically advanced and people-centered, valuing the journey, human connection, and community as much as the destination. 

"Ideally, the more you can think about projects as an ecosystem, [...] where you pull in stakeholders, both from all parts of your agency and the people that you serve, and let them be part of the process, you can overall have a better system, operate more efficiently, spend less money, and provide better service," said Finnern.