Affordability & Sustainability of Public Transport

Public transport has long been an essential aspect of urban mobility across the globe. It provides a convenient and cost-effective mode of transport for people to move from one place to another in cities, thereby reducing traffic congestion, air pollution, and carbon emissions.

However, there are two major issues that often hinder the widespread use of public transport in cities: affordability and sustainability.

Affordability is one of the biggest challenges in public transport. The cost of public transport must be low enough for people to be able to use it regularly. High ticket prices and lack of affordable options can result in a decline in the use of public transport and an increase in private vehicles on the road. For low-income people, public transport can be the only viable option, and as such, it is essential that it remains accessible and affordable to them. Governments and public transport authorities must ensure that the fares remain within the reach of everyone, and special concessions and subsidies are provided for those in need.

Another significant challenge in public transport is sustainability. Public transport systems that run on fossil fuels are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which has a harmful impact on the environment and public health. To make public transport more sustainable, cities need to move towards low-emission alternatives such as electric buses, hybrid buses, and trams. Many cities around the world have already started implementing such alternatives, resulting in cleaner and greener public transport systems.

Furthermore, in addition to low-emission alternatives, cities must also focus on developing a comprehensive network that provides connectivity to all areas of the city. This means ensuring that public transport is accessible to all, including people with disabilities, senior citizens, and children. The provision of cycle lanes, walkways, and other alternative modes of transport can also play a crucial role in improving the overall sustainability of public transport.