2.2 TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

introduction

Transport systems facilitate movement of people, goods and services in cities. As cities develop and the lifestyles of people change, the demands on and expectations of transport systems have also become more complex.

While a city’s transport systems are expected to be efficient and effective, their development and maintenance can have a significant impact on people and the environment.

To better manage the impact of transport systems on the environment and people, it is necessary for people to develop solutions and take actions that are sustainable and can lead to an improvement in the quality of life.

But first... When were vehicles invented?

Curious about when the first wheel was created, or who invented the first airplane? Watch this video to find out more about the evolution of transport. 🛞

Chapter 10: Transport systems and their spatial distribution

What are transport systems?

A transport system is composed of three core components - networks, infrastructure and modes.

Transport systems can be characterised by their density of network, quality of infrastructure and the variety of modes.

Networks

A transport network contains nodes that are linked by routes.

A segment of the Downtown Line in Singapore:

Network density refers to the number of nodes and routes in an area. The more nodes and routes there are in an area, the denser the transport network density.

Infrastructure

Consider these questions as you watch the video:

What would encourage people to take public transport? (e.g. in terms of cost, safety, etc.)
What makes Singapore's public transport system one of the best in the world?

Transport infrastructure refers to the physical buildings and facilities that supports transport systems.

This includes roads, train tracks, bridges, signages, information systems, ticketing systems to pay for trips and more.

What are some indicators of the quality of transport systems? (i.e. how to measure the quality of transport systems)

Modes

Cities generally offer a wide variety of transport modes that travel on or through land, water and air.

Increasingly, cities are encouraging non-motorised modes such as walking and cycling,which are more environmentally friendly and promote health benefits.

Shared mobility, through bike-sharing and car-sharing, is also becoming more common.

Why are transport systems located in cities?

Transport systems enable the movement of people as well as goods and services.

Movement of people

Movement of good and services

Connection between transport modes

Connection between cities

Chapter 11: SUstainable management of Transport

Impacts of transport systems on the environment in cities

The development of transport systems impacts the environment in various ways:

The development of transport systems requires physical space, which often results in changes to the physical environment, leading to:
- Depletion of forests
- Reducing size of animal habitats and restricting animal movement

Find out more about the Cross Island Line controversy from the infographic below:

All transport activities consume some form of energy, be it electricity, biofuel or petroleum. When petrol is burnt to provide energy, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are produced, contributing to carbon footprint.
Transport activities account for 25-30% of all greenhouse gas emissions. As cities continue to grow, transport systems are set to expand, increasing their carbon footprint.

Carbon footprint is the measure of greenhouse gases emitted to support human activities.

Impacts of transport systems on people in cities

As cities expand, traffic congestion becomes more frequent, frustrating drivers and passengers.

Health and safety risks associated with transport systems are increasingly a concern among those living in cities.

Consider these questions as you watch the video:

What types of pollution occur as a result of transport systems in cities?
What are the impacts of pollution on humans?
How can we reduce such forms of pollution?

Sustainable management of transport

Managing transport systems sustainably often involves managing transport demand and improving transport supply through a range of strategies:

Laws and policies
Integrated landuse and transport planning
Provision of a range of mobility options for different groups of people
Research and development in transport

Example: Research & Development in Transport

Cities are investing in research and development (R&D) to explore ways to make transport systems more sustainable. Key R&D areas include:

R&D to improve mobility
R&D for environmentally-friendly transport modes
R&D for greener building materials and techniques

An example of R&D for environmentally-friendly transport modes include electric cars like Tesla.

Watch the video below to find out more about whether a Tesla is more sustainable than a conventional car (powered by fossil fuels)!

Consider these questions as you watch the video:

At which stage of production is a Tesla unsustainable? Why do you say so?
At which stage of production is a Tesla sustainable? Why do you say so?
What are some considerations you would have when buying a car? (e.g. cost, impact on environment, etc.)