Sustainable Management of Transport Systems Flashcards
How do transport systems impact the environment in cities? (changes in physical environment - natural vegetation)
- cleared to build roads
- may split the habitats into multiple segments
- increases chance of roadkill
- reduces size of habitat
- restricts animal movement
- may split the habitats into multiple segments
How do transport systems impact the environment in cities? (changes in physical environment - land form)
- have to be modified
[example: part of the SG river had to be diverted to construct the MRT tunnels connecting Downtown line stations, Fort Canning and China Town. The original waterway was soon restored to its original state.]
How do transport systems impact the environment in cities? (increased carbon footprint)
- greenhouse gases are naturally occurring
- excessive greenhouse gases = enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming
- transport activities : 25-30% of all greenhouse gas emissions. as cities grow -> carbon emissions increase -> carbon footprint increase
How do Transport Systems impact people in cities? (improved mobility for elderly and persons with disabilities)
- physical capabilities & health-related problems -> limit mobility
- people with disabilities, elderly, cannot carry out basic daily activities
mobility definition
- allows us to access basic goods and services and facilities social interactions for emotional well-being.
Silver zones definition
- (silver zones): places with high concentration of elderly and high rates of accidents happening in the area involving seniors and close proximity amenities that seniors frequent
Silver zones to improve mobility of the elderly
- have bright signs and yellow painted road strips to indicate the start of the silver zones for drivers to be more careful
- speed limit set to 40km/h
- lesser lanes -> shorten crossing distance and crossing time
How do Transport Systems impact people in cities? (traffic congestion)
- occurs during peak hours
- usually on major expressways leading to and from CBD
- long queues, slow-moving vehicles, high traffic volumes
- affects physical and emotional well-being of people
- tires out drivers, can make drivers feel frustrated or lose concentration, increasing risk of accidents
- affects physical and emotional well-being of people
- stationary vehicles results in more fuel being burnt
- increases carbon emissions -> increases carbon footprint -> worsens air quality
traffic congestion definition
when road usage approaches/exceeds road capacity
How do Transport Systems impact people in cities? (health risks)
- fuel burnt -> harmful air pollutants increase -> causes smog -> increases health risks
- traffic noise
- road traffic noises above 53 decibals is not safe, but studies show that 1 out of 4 Europeans are exposed to 55 decibal of noise.
- Excessive noise can disturb sleep, reduce work performance, provoke annoyance, cause mental stress, resulting in hearing implantment trigger heart-related illness
How noisy is Singapore?
A study between Dec 2016 and Feb 2017 found that the average noise level in SG is 69.4 dB, the threshold for the average noise exposure being 70dB, Serangoon being the nosiest neighbourhood with a average of 73.1dB
How do Transport Systems impact people in cities? (safety risk)
- road accidents account for 90% of all transport accidents
- promote safety:
- regulate using mobile devices while driving
- set more cameras -> prevents speeding
- road education
-> public transport less safe during peak periods - increases risk of crimes like theft
- some cities have designed gender-segregated transportation
-> terminals = terrorist attacks
-> more resources to ensure the safety of commuters
How can transport systems be sustainably managed? (law and policies)
- raise awareness: campaigns and educate people on practising good road safety habits
- car-life policies -> encouraging alternatives (walking, cycling) -> constrain vehicle ownership by making it costly
- Road pricing to manage road congestion, shape travel behaviour and raise revenue to finance the transport system
- reduces congestion at certain stretches but traffic is diverted elsewhere
!!! - In Stockholm, Sweden, 2/3 of 318,000 people travel to work daily. COngestion pricing has reduced by 20% and traffic delays have reduced by 30% to 50%
- reduces congestion at certain stretches but traffic is diverted elsewhere
integrated land use and transport planning
- encourange active mobility (pedestrian shed) - for comfortable walking experience
- business parks and commercial centres offer employment near residential areas to reduce travelling time
- good planning -> transport facilities and services can move people and goods safely, conveniently, affordably, environmentally friendly
*- requires close coordination and communication between stakeholders to balance economic, social, and transport needs
*- time, huge investments in infrastructure and design
(integrated land use and transport planning example) LMTP
- a plan that helps to develop a convenient, well-connected and fast transport network, inclusive infrastructure, promote gracious behaviour and enable safer journeys by public transport.
- will result in well-planned towns and cities with many different services and thus helps to reduce travel time
- By 2040, LMTP aims for “20min towns” and “ 45 min cities” during peak periods
