Cities have to face different challenges as they develop. Some of these challenges are how to increase an influx of people and at the same time, how to cut down the evils in the environment. Modernization brings different opportunities; at the same time, it has brought enormous pressure on the transportation system. Public transport can be identified as a one-stop solution as it helps in emissions reductions, opening up opportunities for the disadvantaged, and supporting economic growth, which is a critical part of creating livable and sustainable cities.
Public transport has advanced health for the environment in terms of reduction of automobile dependency. Cars and private vehicles are the sources of urban air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Public transport such as buses, metros and trams manages to carry more passengers with lesser emissions. One full bus, for instance, could replace 50-60 cars on the road, leaving behind clean air. The cities like Stockholm and Singapore are introducing electric or hybrid fleets for public transit, proving that this can bring cleaner air and a lesser dependency on fossil fuels. In India, various cities are moving towards electric buses, which reduce both noise and air pollution while making the public transportation greener.
It also makes economic sense. For individuals, public transit is cheaper than owning and maintaining a car. For cities, well-planned public transport saves billions by reducing traffic jams. Less traffic means people spend less time stuck on the road and more time being productive. Good transit systems also help people get to jobs, schools, and hospitals more easily. This boosts economic activity and even increases property values around transit hubs, creating vibrant urban centres. Research shows that cities with strong public transit networks attract more businesses, as employees find commuting less stressful and more predictable.
Public transport also promotes fairness. Not everyone is able to afford a vehicle, and for many poor individuals, public transport is the most important mode of transportation around work, school, or medical visits. Easily available public transport connects individuals to chances and helps drop inequality. Thoughtfully designed cities, such as low-floor buses and metro stations, could guarantee that the elderly and disabled can move around safely and independently. That helps cut urban spaces more equitably and connected across different parts of society.
Examples of what possible when transportation is effectively prioritised in public are a few cities. Curitiba in Brazil has a well-designed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which has changed the way people move. The railway system in Tokyo is known for punctuality and very dense connections, serving one of the most extensive urban populations anywhere in the world. Denmark links cycling and public transport, making citizens mobile between modes. Delhi Metro in India is the best recent example for changing the way commuters change in behaviour from cars to trains due to reliable public transport. These cities show investment in public transit improves urban life.
Not every person has the savings to own a car. Public transit is probably a necessity towards going to work, school, and healthcare for many low-income persons. The accessible public to all connects to opportunities while mitigating inequalities. Thoughtful design cities feature things like low-floor buses or wheelchair-accessible metro stations that help elderly and disabled people move around in freedom. This inclusivity makes cities close different sections of society to each other and makes urban spaces a little more equal and connected.
These cities show us what is possible when the public transport system is at its finest. The example of Curitiba in Brazil is a brilliant Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that really changed how much people can travel by bus. Tokyo’s rail network offers very high punctuality, and it is known for very dense connections, accommodating one of the world’s largest urban populations. It brings together cycling with public transport in such a way that switching is easy from other modes of transport. Metro de Delhi has emerged as a fine benchmark for change in the commuter attitude due to reliability of public transport from cars to trains, within India. These cities prove that investment in public transport will pay off with a better quality of life for residents.
But building great public transit systems isn’t easy. Money is a major hurdle—transit infrastructure and maintenance need heavy investment. Urban sprawl, where cities expand outward, also makes it harder for transit systems to work efficiently. Plus, many people are used to cars and might resist switching to public transit. Governments must think long-term, putting money and resources into public transit while working with private companies to share the costs.
Technology can make public transit better and more appealing. Real-time tracking helps commuters know exactly when their bus or train will arrive, reducing uncertainty. Mobile ticketing and payment systems make transactions faster and easier, eliminating long queues at ticket counters. AI and data analytics can predict traffic patterns and suggest smarter routes, helping transit operators avoid delays. Multi-modal platforms, which combine buses, trains, and other transport options into one app, can make travel seamless and hassle-free.
AI is being employed in cities to improve the public transport system. In Singapore, for example, AI algorithms predict the peak hours of bus riding and adjust the bus schedules to suit the needs of commuters. This results in smooth rides and reduced waiting time. Real-time information helps transport operators act on various developments, such as rerouting buses during traffic jams and crowd management during events. Emerging applications in India will use live updates to inform commuters about delays accurately to help them plan better.
Public urban transportation systems must be inclusive, a demand which has inspired innovations on its own. For example, easy-use mechanisms such as NFC-enabled cards or very simple ticket kiosks could readily promote access to public transport services for those rural or low-income people who have no smartphone. Multi-lingual apps can also be developed to guarantee everyone’s access. Campaigns can enlighten people about the saving of money, less environmental pollution, and fresher lifestyles created by public transport.
Another aspect of making the entire transportation system work is safety. Distance was mandatory for contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic; that is why contactless ticketing and payment systems are now part of the new normal. Additionally, real-time updates help commuters avoid crowded buses or trains, improving both safety and convenience. Cities can also use these updates to monitor overcrowding and adjust services to maintain safe travel conditions.
Public transit cannot be improved solely with money and awareness. Cities must also offer appealing and pleasing transit infrastructure. For instance, the installation and maintenance of clean, well-lit bus stops and comfortable safe metro stations go a long way in improving public perception of mass transit. When commuters see that the system is reliable, safe, and comfortable, they’re more likely to leave their cars at home.
The public transit future holds very exciting possibilities. With flexible and green transport, one could imagine autonomous electric buses. Hyperloop systems that are now in the testing phase could make long distances fast travel. Drones might contribute to last-mile connectivity by bringing people or goods to the doorstep in difficult-to-reach buildings. These technologies will increase efficiency and attractiveness to the public by connecting existing modes.
As they grow, cities shall have critical roles to play in solving the challenges of the future: congestion and pollution will be some. Moving people is not all that should be attended to; a city can develop better by controlling end uses and movement through public transit. A city investing in public transit invests in cleaner air, sustainable access to opportunities, and stronger economies. And combining smart planning, technology, and public education will allow public transport to step out into the main frame of future sustainable urban living.
Public transport is the legacy of the future, not only for the users but also for the cities as a whole. There will be a cascading effect: improved air quality, reduced inequalities, and higher productivity. The rapid increases in urbanisation have very visibly driven home the demand for an efficient and inclusive transport system. Probably the first and the easiest steps to make a city more sustainable is to improve public transport.
The author, Narayan Mishra, is CTO & Co-Founder, Tummoc – A Multi-Modal Public Transit App