Study lists out ways to end transportation woes of big cities

BENGALURU: Many cities, including Bengaluru, are experiencing a decline in accessibility due to the confluence of rapid urbanisation and motorisation trends. How can cities known for being car-friendly move towards providing more equitable and sustainable access to opportunities for all residents?

To address the growing challenges, a new research paper suggests a three-point action plan — building complete, democratic and safe street networks; integrating public, informal and private modes into an ecosystem of high-quality, user-oriented transport services; and managing the demand for private vehicle use.

These suggestions are made in the research paper titled ‘From Mobility to Access for All: Expanding Urban Transportation Choices in the Global South’. The paper, presented at the recentlyheld three-day International Transport Summit in Germany, was prepared by Christo Venter, Anjali Mahendra and Dario Hidalgo of research firm World Resources Institute (WRI).


ACTION PLAN
The study suggests designing streets that aim to provide adequate and safe space for pedestrians, bicyclists and other non-motorised travellers — often the most vulnerable people, including children, the elderly and people with disabilities — rather than only accommodating higher-speed motorised traffic.

As part of its second action area, the study suggests promoting integrated fare payment across all transport modes, putting up transit data in the public domain, increasing shared vehicle ownership and creating digital solutions that fundamentally reshape the mobility environment.

To manage the growing demand for private vehicles, the paper suggests many reforms. “Road pricing, where motorists pay charges to reflect the social costs of private vehicle use, is a proven remedy, as demonstrated in cities like London and Singapore. In other countries, however, the cost of private car and motorcycle is systematically underpriced.” As the pricing model of Singapore, where cars are purchased through an auction, is politically difficult to achieve, the researchers suggest reforming parking rules and pricing that can address several problems related to equitable access as seen in San Francisco and Paris. “The policy can restrain car use, generate revenue and promote walking and cycling,” the paper says.

The researchers also believe that emerging shared mobility solution, such as ride-hailing taxis, carsharing and bike-sharing, can help delay or prevent vehicle ownership among medium-income commuters. “City policies also need to push for urban land development that is transit-oriented, potentially well served by public transport or near economic opportunities.”

Additional chief secretary (urban development department) Mahendra Jain said the government was aware of the problems related to the increase in the registration of cars. “We cannot follow the model of Singapore where the certificate of entitlement (that allows the purchase of a car) is auctioned, but we are exploring other possibilities,” he said. “We are exploring the possibility of making proof of parking mandatory for registering a new car. We are also thinking of discouraging the ownership of a second car in a family,” he said. “The government is also preparing a pay-and-park policy for Bengaluru”. Currently, the city has over 15 lakh registered cars and over 55 lakh two-wheelers.

(The reporter was in Leipzig, Germany, to attend a three-day International Transport Summit on the invitation of International Transport Forum)