AFFORDABILITY IN URBAN TRANSPORTATION

Good public transport systems are an essential part of safe, clean and affordable transport for development.

Abstract

From a social perspective, public transport is often the only means of transport for the poor. Without it, they would be able to look at work opportunities only within walking distance of their homes, so public transport improves their livelihood opportunities. It also gives them greater access to education, health care and recreation. For senior citizens, people with disabilities and children, public transport is also their main means of mobility. From an urban mobility perspective, public transport is far more efficient than personal motor vehicles in terms of the road space it uses up and the energy it consumes. For example, a bus carrying 40 passengers uses only 2.5 times more road space than a car carrying only 1 or 2 people. And the same bus consumes only about 3 times as much fuel as a car. Public transport is thus important for improving sustainable mobility in urban areas, and it is well considered the right approach to encourage low-carbon growth in cities.

Key elements of a sustainable public transport system

A good public transport system must be easy and convenient to use. It also must be fast, safe, clean and affordable. Seoul, Singapore and Hong Kong are known for their excellent transport systems. Smaller cities like Lyon in France and Curitiba in Brazil also have very good systems. More recently, León in Mexico, Pereira in Colombia, Lagos in Nigeria and Ahmedabad, Delhi & Bangalore in India have developed good systems. Many more are in the development stages.