Public transportation is an important aspect of our society but it has always gone through various challenges such as accessibility, traffic and environmental problems etc. However, the future of public transportation like Trucks, auto rickshaws is bright because of digitalization and people will witness many positive changes in the upcoming year.
Here are several implicit advancements that could change the face of public transport in the future:
- Public transit may soon be able to travel at close to the speed of sound. The Hyperloop will enable cases transporting passengers to move at speeds of up to 750 mph.
- Paperless ticketing can aid in cost reduction and productivity enhancement.
- The number of trucks on Indian roads and highways may increase, from 4 million to 17 million in upcoming years .
How Will Technology Make Public Transportation More Efficient And Convenient?
There are many ways in which technology can make public transportation more effective and user-friendly. Some examples include:
Real Time Information
Technology will make public transit timetables, routes, and delays available in real time. Commuters can better plan their journeys and avoid excessive wait periods by using this information.
Use Of Mobile Tickets
Mobile ticketing will remove the need for paper tickets and reduce waiting time at ticket counters. It will allow commuters to purchase and save tickets on their mobile phones.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
Intelligent transportation systems can monitor traffic flow and public transportation by using various technologies. This can help to ease traffic, reduce long travel times, and increase safety also.
Electric Automobiles
Public transportation can be more eco-friendly by using electric buses and trains, which can lower emissions and improve air quality.
Autonomous Automobiles
Autonomous automobiles can reduce manual error and enhance safety and effectiveness of public transportation.
Air filtration Systems
To enhance air quality and decrease the transmission of airborne diseases, air filtration systems are being installed in public transportation vehicles.
Environmental Benefits Of Public Transportation
The following are some of the environmental benefits of public transport:
- Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Taking public transit reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which aids in mitigating the consequences of climate change. CO2 emissions from public transit are reduced by 45 percent. Public transport is predicted to save 37 million metric tonnes of CO2.
- An Improvement In Air Quality: Public transit emits fewer air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides than private automobiles. As a result, breathing issues are reduced and air quality improves.
- Less Traffic Jams: One of the most effective benefits of public transportation is reducing or limiting the number of private cars, bikes, and auto rickshaws on the road. Now, numerous cities have been able to successfully reduce CO2 emissions by using public transportation.
- Securing Natural Resources: Public transportation uses less fuels as compared to personal transportation. It results in conserving natural resources and lessens our reliance on imported oil.
- Sustainable Innovation: New technologies are being created to increase the sustainability of public transportation. For instance, digital monitoring and IoT are being used to optimize routes and use less fuel. Air purification systems are being installed in public transportation vehicles to improve air quality.
- Greater Community Health: Walking and biking on public transportation helps to promote physical activity and reduce obesity rates. Additionally, it also reduces noise pollution, which may improve mental health.
- Saves energy: Public transportation is a more energy-efficient way to travel than cars. This is because public transportation vehicles are more likely to be full, which means that they are using less fuel per passenger mile. For example, a study by the National Center for Transit Research found that public transportation is about three times more energy-efficient than cars.
Challenges in Public Transportation
Public Transportation faces number of challenges which includes:
- Parking Issues And Traffic Jam: Public transportation faces a significant problem in the form of traffic jams which has the potential to affect the speed and efficiency of bikes, cars and buses.
- Efficiency: One of the most challenging aspects of public transport is low efficiency of drivers, resources and delay of transportation industry.
- Ecological Effect: Even though Personal transportation automobiles emit more greenhouse gases than public transportation does, it still has an impact on the environment. In addition to using a significant amount of energy to operate, public transportation can also contribute to air and noise pollution.
- Costs: The construction cost of public transportation can be costly. Sometimes, fare structures can be complex and difficult to understand. Even legacy costs can be a burden on transportation agencies.
- Accessibility: Accessibility issues for people with disabilities can arise when taking public transportation, such as uneven or inappropriate steps or a lack of elevators or ramps. Problems with seating can also arise when there are long distances between the boarding area and the parking or entrance areas.
- Rivalry From Vehicles: Automobiles compete with public transportation because they are more versatile and convenient for some people. Regulations may also restrict the construction and expansion of public transit networks.
