Good public transport systems are an essential part of safe, clean and affordable transport for development.
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 we consider it the right approach to encourage low-carbon growth in cities.
What are the key elements of a sustainable public transport system?
Can you provide examples of countries or cities that are leading the way in this area?
A good public transport system must be easy and convenient to use, 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 in India have developed good systems. Many more are in the offing.
A key feature is that they integrate multiple technologies, such as metro rail, light rail, Bus Rapid Transit and basic bus services. A common ticket or fare card serves all the systems, making it easy for passengers to transfer from one mode to the other. Passenger information systems enable users to know when the next service is due and to understand the routes easily, and high frequency of service reduces the hassle of a long wait for the next bus or train
Written By: Egbara Emmanuel,
Social Media Activist,
Lagos Nigeria.