Public transit in the U.S. is in a sorry state. With aging infrastructure, inadequate funding, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ridership has been on the decline. To combat this problem, many look to new technologies, such as self-driving cars and flying taxis, to ease transportation woes. As an urban policy and planning researcher, however, I believe that the city bus offers a more viable, near-term solution.
City buses have been around for over a century and provide an accessible, low-cost mode of transportation. When operated efficiently, they can reduce traffic congestion and encourage people to ditch their cars. In particular, buses provide an efficient service to neighborhoods that are otherwise underserved by public transit. To revitalize urban bus systems a comprehensive approach is needed that emphasizes both operational and infrastructure investments.
Operational investments can include route adjustments and scheduling changes to better meet customer needs, as well as expanding use of ride-sharing services. Improvements in infrastructure can focus on building better bus stops for riders, purchasing buses that are cleaner, quieter and faster, and using advanced technologies such as real-time tracking and Wi-Fi access. Such upgrades can make the experience of using public transit more pleasant, increasing ridership and helping to offset the cost of service.
Ultimately, a successful effort to revive public transportation requires a combination of solutions. Technologies such as self-driving cars and flying taxis should be considered, but they are in the longer-term future. In the near-term, investments in bus systems have the potential to create meaningful improvements in public transportation.
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/why-the-humble-city-bus-is-the-key-to-improving-us-public-transit
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