Transport for Humans

Synopsis

Engineers plan transport systems, people use them. But the ways in which an engineer measures success - speed, journey time, efficiency - are often not the way that passengers think about a good trip. We are not cargo. We choose how and when to travel, influenced not only by speed and time but by habit, status, comfort, variety - and many other factors that engineering equations don't capture at all. This book is about how to design transport for humans.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Problem with Cars

* Argues that cars are a major source of pollution, congestion, and climate change.
* Real example: In Los Angeles, traffic congestion costs the city billions of dollars annually and contributes to the city's air pollution crisis.

Chapter 2: The Benefits of Walking and Cycling

* Highlights the health, environmental, and social benefits of active transportation modes.
* Real example: A study in New York City found that people who walk or cycle to work have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Chapter 3: Rethinking Public Transit

* Examines the challenges and opportunities for improving public transit systems.
* Real example: The Bus Rapid Transit system in Bogotá, Colombia, has increased ridership by providing reliable, efficient, and affordable service.

Chapter 4: The Future of Mobility

* Explores emerging technologies and trends in transportation, such as autonomous vehicles and shared mobility.
* Real example: Uber and Lyft have disrupted the traditional taxi industry by providing a more convenient and affordable ride-sharing option.

Chapter 5: Creating Walkable Cities

* Discusses strategies for making cities more walkable, including reducing car traffic, investing in pedestrian infrastructure, and promoting mixed-use development.
* Real example: Copenhagen, Denmark, has become a global leader in walkability by creating a city environment that is safe, accessible, and enjoyable for pedestrians.

Chapter 6: Rethinking Road Safety

* Emphasizes the need to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety in transportation planning.
* Real example: The Vision Zero initiative in Stockholm, Sweden, has achieved dramatic reductions in traffic fatalities and serious injuries by focusing on creating a traffic system that protects vulnerable road users.

Chapter 7: Making the Shift

* Provides practical steps for individuals and policymakers to promote sustainable transportation choices.
* Real example: The City of Vancouver has implemented a "GreenTrip" program that offers incentives for residents to walk, cycle, or take public transit.

Chapter 8: The Future of Transportation

* Envisions a future where transportation systems prioritize human needs over car dependence.
* Real example: The 15-Minute City concept aims to create neighborhoods where all essential services are accessible within a 15-minute walk or cycle ride, reducing the need for car ownership.