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Transforming Public Transport: How Can Cities Achieve Safe and Affordable Travel?
Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11), or "Sustainable Cities and Communities", is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. The official mission of SDG 11 is to “make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. With the advancement of global urbanization, how to make urban transportation systems both safe and affordable has become a challenge that countries urgently need to explain.
"In 2018, 55% of the world's population lived in cities, and this number is expected to reach 60% by 2030."
With the continuous increase of urban population, various places are facing multiple challenges such as traffic congestion, environmental pollution and social inequality. The city’s Sustainable Development Goal 11 not only addresses transportation issues, but also covers a range of related social and environmental issues. According to the report: “60% to 80% of global energy consumption is closely related to the operation of cities, and cities are the source of 75% of carbon emissions.” Therefore, how to optimize the public transportation system not only to meet the rising travel demand, It is an urgent issue that needs to be solved without destroying the ecological balance of the city.
The necessity of optimizing the public transportation system
In line with the goal of SDG 11.2, by 2030, public transport systems should be ensured for all people that are safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable. This is not only to reflect social justice, but also to promote economic development. The accessibility of public transportation systems is particularly important for both the urban poor and disadvantaged groups.
"Currently, about 25% of the population is affected by the lack of easy access to public services."
Among them, vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities often face more travel difficulties. Therefore, it is particularly important to optimize the design of public transportation systems, taking into account these different needs.
Development model of sustainable transportation system
Establishing a good public transportation system requires not only efforts in transportation strategies, but also extensive cooperation and planning. For example, land use planning should be integrated with transportation planning to ensure transportation convenience and accessibility. This means optimizing the layout of living and working areas and creating an interconnected urban atmosphere.
“The success of a sustainable transport system requires good interaction between urban planners, public transport operators and the general public.”
In addition, while developing public transportation, we also need to pay attention to environmental protection. Reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality and effective waste management are also necessary considerations for today's urban development.
References from global success stories
Around the world, many cities are beginning to realize the importance of public transportation and take action. Some cities have successfully launched a "sharing economy" model based on public transportation, which not only reduces the use of private cars but also enhances interaction within the community. Take Canada as an example. The country has invested 10 billion Canadian dollars in green public transportation projects and plans to provide 5,000 public buses in the next five years.
Such a model provides valuable experience for other cities, especially when facing cost and environmental challenges.
Perseverance in the face of challenges
However, we must also admit that challenges still exist. The outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic has greatly affected city operations and transportation, exposing the city's deficiencies in infrastructure and public health. "The epidemic has opened our eyes to urban inequality. Unfortunately, the consequences of the epidemic may exacerbate existing social conflicts."
Therefore, the realization of SDG 11 not only relies on the independent action of the government, but also requires the cooperation and support of all walks of life. Only by working together can we truly promote the sustainable development of cities.
Looking to the future
Many experts believe that future urban governance will need to rely more on technology to achieve sustainable development. Smart city technology will play an important role in collecting and analyzing urban data, helping policymakers find a better balance between transportation, environmental protection and social equity.
“We need to promote a fundamental change in urban transportation and the future of mankind. Perhaps this is the only way for us to achieve SDG 11.”
So, as a society, how should we choose more sustainable modes of travel in our daily lives and promote improvements in urban policies to achieve safe and affordable travel?
