Investing In Public Transport: A Strategic Move For Long-Term Business Sustainability
Nadezhda Kosareva, CEO at Unitsky String Technologies Inc.
The discussions on climate change, the control of toxic emissions and the reduction of pollution are becoming more frequent as business and government leaders around the world seek long-term solutions to these problems.
As a forecast, global transport activity is likely to double by 2050 from 2015 levels. While such growth is considered a sign of social and economic progress, it is likely to be accompanied by increased energy demand and higher emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and air pollutants.
In a world becoming increasingly urban, there is a need for transport that suits urban needs and reduces urgent issues such as congestion and pollution. Traffic congestion is one of the major obstacles on the way to socioeconomic development. It leads to incremental delay of goods and excessive fuel consumption, increasing emissions and noise pollution. This is an important issue for business leaders as the failure to act could result in an increase in individual journey costs and the paralysis of transportation systems.
This is the criteria for such transport:
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Sustainability
Any mode of transportation that does not depend on the world’s natural resources may be considered for this concept. For instance, electric buses, subways, trams, monorails or string transport, provided that the energy for them is produced without the use of fossil fuels. Such transport may be classified as low-carbon transportation, as such vehicles produce very low emissions.
Sustainable transport helps to reduce harmful CO2 emissions, thus mitigating air pollution and enhancing urban air quality. I am deliberately not adding the electric cars to this list. Their battery life is short—typically lasting around 10 years, and their production requires significant energy from fossil fuels. Furthermore, the issue of recycling these vehicles remains unresolved.
Publicity
The utilization of space is more efficient in public transportation than in private transportation. The UITP (Union Internationale des Transports Publics) reports that the average number of passengers per car in Europe is 1.3. They note a typical bus can replace an average of 40 cars on the road, a metro can replace 600 cars, and the RER (rapid public transport system serving Paris and the suburbs) can replace up to 1,500 cars.
An electric train comprising eight carriages, with an overall length of approximately 200 meters, can require a smaller amount of space than the simplest two-lane road. Furthermore, in modern megacities, even eight-lane traffic is not uncommon.
Another significant benefit of public transportation is its safety record. The UITP’s report notes that annually in Europe, there are approximately 120,000 road traffic injuries and 20,000 deaths, of which about 47% are attributed to private vehicles and taxis, 17% to motorcycles, 8% to bicycles, and 0% to buses and coaches.
Ecology
This is a significant modern trend that is gaining considerable support on a global scale. The 2023 Sustainable Tourism Report by Booking.com, which compiles responses from over 33,000 travelers worldwide, indicates that many people want to travel in the most possible eco-friendly way.
Energy efficiency also favors sustainability. So, the widespread adoption of electric transportation could improve the ratio between energy consumed and distance travelled, without compromising the quality of the journey for passengers.
Transfer To The Second Level
The transfer of public transport to the second level, if sufficient, could reduce the number of private cars on the roads, make logistics more predictable and reduce congestion. As a result, urban traffic could become more stable, which in turn could stimulate economic development.
Elevated transport stations can become important elements of urban public space, and the network of linear parks and quiet streets for safer walking and cycling will be extended. A reduction in the number of cars can improve air quality and help reduce the incidence of health issues like respiratory diseases.
Above ground trains offer an efficient and pleasant alternative to city travel, eliminating lengthy journeys, congested roads and traffic lights, with a great view outside the window.
Supporting Public Transport
In the light of rising energy costs, it is essential to view public transport as a sector of strategic importance. It can serve as a sustainable alternative to personal vehicle mobility and an integral component in the transition to clean, zero-emission fuels.
In order for sustainable public transport to flourish, it is essential that developers receive the public support and all necessary development guarantees. Only in this way can public transport make a significant contribution to our economic and social life.
Manufacturers of commercial vehicles in the near future should prioritize:
• Decarbonizing mass transport.
• Enhancing vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
• Using carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics and recycled manufacturing scrap to meet fire safety, weight and volume targets.
Creating sustainable transportation responds to the desire of today’s generations to reduce their carbon footprint, to make commuting more predictable and enjoyable and to transform their neighborhoods by connecting them to the rest of the city.
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