Transportation has been one of the primary sources of living from prehistoric times till now. The evolution of transportation in cities throughout the ages is listed below:
- The Pre-Industrial Era: The ancient cities’ main job was agriculture and trading, so the settlements were along the rivers and coastal areas also they centred themselves around the markets. The street has been designed as a walkable street since they primarily relied on foot. People also started using animal carts to carry heavy goods and boats to cross the river.
2. The Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution gives birth to the steam engine boats and railroads. The cities got the opportunity to expand their transportation not only through steamboats but also by connecting greater distances through the invention of railways. The government also promotes the quality of roads where horse-drawn mini buses run. In this era, [1] the construction method called “macadam” was used to create a smooth gravel structure.
3. Electric transport: In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the shift from horse-drawn vehicles to electric vehicles began. To create the railway service on the roads the tram was invented which also received greater recognition. But the disadvantage is that it can only offer a narrow or straight direction.
4. Automobile Supremacy: The urban transportation pattern leapt the introduction of automobiles. The seats with steering wheel on a steel bubble help people to reach their destination quicker and the waiting time for the bus or trams or rails is not required. Nearly every rich person had a car at their home. But the increase in automobiles led to investment in highways and it created suburbs and decentralization of cities started happening.
5. Mass transit systems: The increase in automobiles increased traffic congestion, and mass transits like subways, elevated trains and buses were introduced. The subways become more convenient for the more dense areas.
6. Sustainable transportation: Due to the increase in congestion, changes in urban fabric, climatic changes and increased air pollution, experts suggest sustainable transportation. Options like BRTS, bike or carpooling, e-vehicles, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure allow the success of sustainable transportation in cities.
7. Future trends: Sustainable transportation integrating with technologies will allow electric vehicles to sustain a longer period and also design pedestrian-friendly and bicyclists-friendly lanes.
Public transportation in cities:
As of now public transit with sustainable solutions is incorporated in many cities. This reduces the congestion in cities’ improving the well-being of urban fabric and promoting the quality of air.
“Transportation can make our community cleaner, healthier, safer and more equitable”
-Allison Billings
Being in a steel bubble (automobile), one will reach the destination quicker but the person will listen to the songs or radio whichever he likes, and take out the same lane every day without noticing any new experience. But being a bi-cyclist pedestrian or transit user, one comes across every little detail of the area. [2] Because the movement is slow compared to automobiles. The lanes for bicyclists differ from automobiles it has greater exposure to different and narrow streets. Cutting out the automobiles also helps in the economy of the neighbourhood. A national survey says that bicyclists spend more money compared to automobile owners this is not because they have more money but because they interact more with local shops and they ride and get tired and thirsty.
“Transport shapes cities. It’s the arteries and veins of any place. It connects people with places”
-Howard Collins
Copenhagen city – “Walker’s Paradise”:
The Stroget Street, located at the heart of Copenhagen City with a walk score of 100, is popularly called Walker’s Paradise. The daily errands like getting groceries, dining, shopping, entertainment, and going to school or the office are accomplished just by walking. No usage of automobiles on the street was seen. This street has been car-free since 1962.
In 1962, the urban planners planned to design a pedestrian-only space restricting the automobiles on the main street of Copenhagen. Initially, the local shopkeepers and businessmen were worried that their business would decline due to this policy. But after implementing the policy it had a reverse effect. The pedestrian zone created a lively and vibrant society with people of different age groups in the same age group increasing the economy of the place. This happens because eliminating automobiles created a slow-paced environment which encouraged more connectivity and interaction with the people experiencing a different kind of show.
Benefits of Walker’s Paradise:
- Healthier life
- Community engagement
- Affordable mode of transportation
- Closer proximity to daily errands
- Inclusive for all and different age groups
- Less greenhouse effect
- More social opportunities
There is a lot of incredible infrastructure available in the city it just needs to consider the “public” while designing it. Also creating infrastructure is not only the solution. To make the city more sustainable, the infrastructure and the public must lean towards public transportation and also encourage walkability and reduce the use of automobiles. Unity is where the power is and it can make every policy work.
References:
- https://www.ducksters.com/history/us_1800s/transportation_industrial_revolution.php#:~:text=The%20problem%20of%20traveling%20upstream,along%20rivers%20throughout%20the%20country.
- https://youtu.be/LQQRw-kuWws?si=uajQq8my9tCkXJCd
