scholarly journals Cities as Spaces for Opportunities for All: Building Public Spaces for People with Disabilities, Children and Elders

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Planning ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Urban Systems ◽  
Urban Residents ◽  
Civic Life ◽  
Transit Systems ◽  
Small Children ◽  
Urban Forms

There is no need to justify building cities to benefit all users. Building cities considering only the needs of a fraction of their urban residents is what needs to be justified. And yet, we have grown accustomed to cities urban public spaces and services planned, designed, and built ignoring the needs of people with disabilities, of small children and their caretakers, and of elders, thus limiting access for these groups. Against this background, this monograph aims to advance urban planning practices that can effectively contribute to enabling people with disabilities, children, and elders access to the opportunities for work, socialization, and enjoyment that cities offer. That is, urban forms and urban systems that are purposefully shaped to allow people access to parks and public spaces and transportation systems, and to actively participate in civic life, regardless of their level of ability. For that purpose, the monograph is organized in two parts. Part one provides context to the evolution of the conversation on people with disabilities, particularly from the perspective of cities in LAC. Part two is a compendium of case studies on cities that have built spaces and transit systems that help remove the barriers that people with disabilities, elders, and small children face in cities.

scholarly journals Health in cities: Getting out and about as we age

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Ma ◽  
R Ivers ◽  
E de Leeuw ◽  
K Clapham ◽  
C Kobel
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Urban System ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Urban Systems ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
The Public ◽  
Housing Developments ◽  
Health Community

Abstract Transportation influences health through its effects on people's access to goods, services, and life chance opportunities; social interactions; physical activity levels; air pollution exposures; and road injury risks. Given the ageing of populations, it is essential that decisions about land use and transportation systems are appropriate to meet the mobility needs of older people and support healthy ageing. Not all transportation options, however, may be accessible to older people. Factors that affect accessibility relate to the spatial and physical characteristics of places, personal and social contexts of individuals, and rules and norms underpinning planning and policy making. This research aimed to understand how different parts and processes of urban systems interact to influence transportation options for older people. Using the Greater Sydney area as a case, we drew on key informant interviews and public policy documents to identify the considerations that inform planning and policy making as they pertain to the nature of cities and the opportunities of older people to get out and about. We compared and integrated these findings with peer-reviewed literature of similar urban growth areas. Our analysis mapped the factors of the human-urban system that are central to enabling transportation mobility for older people, articulated their interrelationships, and identified the actors that influence them. Our results point to the involvement of actors from the public health, community development, transportation, and urban planning sectors at multiple levels of government. Each of these actors operate within their own remit to influence a part of the urban system relevant to older people's transportation, such as the zoning of land, the approval of housing developments, and the location of bus stops. However, these individual actions are constrained by others in the system. We interpret this complexity with a governance lens. Key messages Efforts to promote mobility in old age should move beyond ‘single solutions to single issues’ approaches toward those that reflect the complexity of cities and the ways that people move within them. For sustained realization of desired outcomes, age-friendly initiatives cannot occur in isolation, but rather must take into account the behaviours and dynamics of the urban system.

scholarly journals From TOD to TAC: Why and How Transport and Urban Policy Needs to Shift to Regenerating Main Road Corridors with New Transit Systems

Urban Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Peter Newman ◽  
Sebastian Davies-Slate ◽  
Daniel Conley ◽  
Karlson Hargroves ◽  
Mike Mouritz
Keyword(s):  
Urban Planning ◽  
Urban Development ◽  
Urban Policy ◽  
Land Development ◽  
Transit Oriented Development ◽  
Transit Systems ◽  
Historical Perspectives ◽  
Early Case ◽  
Entrepreneurship Theory ◽  
Road Corridors

The need for transit oriented development (TOD) around railway stations has been well accepted and continues to be needed in cities looking to regenerate both transit and urban development. Large parts of suburban areas remain without quality transit down main roads that are usually filled with traffic resulting in reduced urban value. The need to regenerate both the mobility and land development along such roads will likely be the next big agenda in transport and urban policy. This paper learns from century-old experiences in public–private approaches to railway-based urban development from around the world, along with innovative insights from the novel integration of historical perspectives, entrepreneurship theory and urban planning to create the notion of a “Transit Activated Corridor” (TAC). TACs prioritize fast transit and a string of station precincts along urban main roads. The core policy processes for a TAC are outlined with some early case studies. Five design principles for delivering a TAC are presented in this paper, three principles from entrepreneurship theory and two from urban planning. The potential for new mid-tier transit like trackless trams to enable TACs is used to illustrate how these design processes can be an effective approach for designing, financing and delivering a “Transit Activated Corridor”.

Travel mode recognition of urban residents using mobile phone data and MapAPI

2021 ◽  
pp. 239980832098300
Author(s):  
Zhenghong Peng ◽  
Guikai Bai ◽  
Hao Wu ◽  
Lingbo Liu ◽  
Yang Yu
Keyword(s):  
Urban Planning ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Traffic Flow ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Urban Traffic ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Traffic Information ◽  
Mobile Phone Data ◽  
Urban Residents ◽  
Travel Mode

Obtaining the time and space features of the travel of urban residents can facilitate urban traffic optimization and urban planning. As traditional methods often have limited sample coverage and lack timeliness, the application of big data such as mobile phone data in urban studies makes it possible to rapidly acquire the features of residents’ travel. However, few studies have attempted to use them to recognize the travel modes of residents. Based on mobile phone call detail records and the Web MapAPI, the present study proposes a method to recognize the travel mode of urban residents. The main processes include: (a) using DBSCAN clustering to analyze each user’s important location points and identify their main travel trajectories; (b) using an online map API to analyze user’s means of travel; (c) comparing the two to recognize the travel mode of residents. Applying this method in a GIS platform can further help obtain the traffic flow of various means, such as walking, driving, and public transit, on different roads during peak hours on weekdays. Results are cross-checked with other data sources and are proven effective. Besides recognizing travel modes of residents, the proposed method can also be applied for studies such as travel costs, housing–job balance, and road traffic pressure. The study acquires about 6 million residents’ travel modes, working place and residence information, and analyzes the means of travel and traffic flow in the commuting of 3 million residents using the proposed method. The findings not only provide new ideas for the collection and application of urban traffic information, but also provide data support for urban planning and traffic management.

Station facilities and noise assessment: A multilevel analysis on light rail train stations

2021 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-372
Author(s):  
Yalcin Yildirim ◽  
Diane Jones Allen
Keyword(s):  
Public Transportation ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Urban Life ◽  
Light Rail ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Transit Systems ◽  
Message Boards ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Noise Assessment ◽  
Ticket Vending Machines

Noise is one of the most frequent consequences of traffic. Public transportation systems, such as the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) authority provides various modes of transportation. Even though the availability of commuting service for the public is a boon to communities, mass transit systems are potential sources of excessive sound levels in daily urban life. This article examines the nexus between the transit station facilities of light rail train (LRT) stations and noise implications at both station and neighborhood scales by studying selected LRT stations. A multilevel linear analysis was conducted to understand the degree of train station amenities and neighborhood characteristics that affect sound levels. Using a type II sound pressure level (SPL)meter, sound measurements were obtained during the weekdays and weekends over several weeks. Upon examining the station amenities, and built environment and sociodemographic characteristics of the neighborhood, findings of this comprehensive research reveal significant implications for sound levels. Stations with ticket vending machines and informative message boards include a higher degree of significance on SPLs, while shelters, crew rooms, bike lockers, restrooms, and windshields are significantly and negatively associated with the noise levels. Additionally, neighborhoods with dense roads, higher speed limits, more neighborhood facilities, and a higher number of transit routes have an increased likelihood of noise levels. Recommendations include creating transformative policies for implementation, and approaches addressing noise for transit authorities, transportation engineers, and planners are presented. Planning and engineering aspects of comfort, aesthetics, safety, and public health, as train stations are daily use spaces for commuters and surrounding communities, should also be considered.

scholarly journals Whose Health in Whose City? A Systems Thinking Approach to Support and Evaluate Plans, Policies, and Strategies for Lasting Urban Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 12225
Author(s):  
Silvio Cristiano ◽  
Samuele Zilio
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Urban Planning ◽  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Urban Health ◽  
Urban Governance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Urban Systems ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
The Impact

An increasing interest has been present in scientific literature and policy making for the links between urban environments and health, as also learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaboration between urban planning and public health is therefore critical for enhancing the capabilities of a city to promote the well-being of its people. However, what leverage potential for urban health can be found in existing plans, policies, and strategies that address urban health? Starting from the relationship between urban systems and health issues, the purpose of this contribution is to broaden the systemic knowledge of urban systems and health so as to try to figure out the impact potential of local urban governance on public health. Considering the systemic nature of health issues, as defined by the World Health Organisation, this is done through a systems thinking epistemological approach. Urban health proposals are studied and assessed in four European cities (Copenhagen, London, Berlin, and Vienna). Current criticalities are found, starting from the guiding goal of such proposals, yet a systemic approach is suggested aimed at supporting and evaluating lasting and healthy urban planning and management strategies.

scholarly journals Impacts of COVID-19 on Transport Modes and Mobility Behavior: Analysis of Public Discourse in Twitter

2021 ◽  
pp. 036119812110299
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ahsanul Habib ◽  
Md Asif Hasan Anik
Keyword(s):  
Public Transport ◽  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Public Discourse ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Transit Systems ◽  
Transportation Services ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
Mobility Behavior ◽  
Transport Modes ◽  
Online Schools

This study proposes a framework to analyze public discourse in Twitter to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on transport modes and mobility behavior. It also identifies reopening challenges and potential reopening strategies that are discussed by the public. First, the study collects 15,776 tweets that relate to personal opinions on transportation services posted between May 15 and June 15, 2020. Next, it applies text mining and topic modeling techniques to the tweets to determine the prominent themes, terms, and topics in those discussions to understand public feelings, behavior, and broader sentiments about the changes brought about by COVID-19 on transportation systems. Results reveal that people are avoiding public transport and shifting to using private car, bicycle, or walking. Bicycle sales have increased remarkably but car sales have declined. Cycling and walking, telecommuting, and online schools are identified as possible solutions to COVID-19 mobility problems and to reduce car usage with an aim to tackle traffic congestion in the post-pandemic world. People appreciated government decisions for funding allocation to public transport, and asked for the reshaping, restoring, and safe reopening of transit systems. Protecting transit workers, riders, shop customers and staff, and office employees is identified as a crucial reopening challenge, whereas mask wearing, phased reopening, and social distancing are proposed as effective reopening strategies. This framework can be used as a tool by decision makers to enable a holistic understanding of public opinions on transportation services during COVID-19 and formulate policies for a safe reopening.

Accessibility Monitoring for People with Disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-137
Author(s):  
Ishita Saraswat ◽  
Aymen Brahim ◽  
Nancy Viva Davis Halifax ◽  
Christo El Morr
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Advocacy Groups ◽  
Embodied Experiences ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Android App ◽  
Accessibility Issues

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) is a law mandating that organizations in Ontario must comply to accessibility standards for people with disabilities. However, there is no tool to report accessibility complaints and track them. To that effect, mobile applications can be effective to make report and monitor accessibility issues as they arise in private as well as public spaces (e.g. building, sidewalks). An App would provide users with an opportunity beyond the mapping of compliance, it can provide data that addresses the gaps across legislation and embodied experiences. The objective of this paper is to share a novel method associated with the development accessibility monitoring Android App prototype called “ACCESS-ABILITY.” ACCESS-ABILITY is a first-of-its-kind app in the domain of disability informatics, it facilitates the formation of a collaborative virtual community that can be used by people with disabilities, advocacy groups, organizations and official bodies.

Assessing the Existing Bursa Light Rail Transportation System

2020 ◽  
Vol 2674 (10) ◽  
pp. 250-260
Author(s):  
Mehmet Rizelioğlu ◽  
Turan Arslan
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Transportation System ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Bus Rapid Transit ◽  
Light Rail ◽  
Rail Transportation ◽  
Transit System ◽  
Transit Systems ◽  
Negative Impacts

As car ownership soars, traffic congestion and its associated negative impacts have become real concerns in many cities around the world. Therefore, transportation systems that perform better in eliminating or reducing traffic congestion and related problems to tolerable levels have become imperative. Alternative transit systems should be assessed properly to accommodate the expected demand in the long term, at least, to some significant extent. However, this is generally neglected in developing countries and, among many possible alternatives, a popular transportation system is usually preferred within the available budget. As an example, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, Turkey, has recently implemented a light rail transportation system (LRT) on its major east–west corridor as the main transit system. In this study, the existing LRT is assessed and its performance is compared with a hypothetical bus rapid transit (BRT) system, which is a strong contender and comparatively a lower-cost alternative. This is done to assess whether the LRT was the better choice in relation to the current demand. Therefore, in this study, the existing LRT system is first defined in the PTV VISSIM simulation environment. Then, the hypothetical BRT system is considered on the same route with the current demand. The capability and capacities of the existing LRT and the BRT system are assessed and compared in many aspects. The results are compared, and important findings are outlined.

scholarly journals Setting Headways on a Bus Route under Uncertain Conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiya Chen ◽  
Xin Liu ◽  
Dingfang Chen ◽  
Xin Pan
Keyword(s):  
Public Transport ◽  
Recursive Algorithm ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Sustainable Transportation ◽  
Urban Transport ◽  
Demand Elasticity ◽  
Allocation Model ◽  
Transit Systems ◽  
Bus Scheduling ◽  
Minimum Number

Urban public transport is a sustainable transportation strategy. Promoting public transport is an important means of urban transport sustainable development. Reasonable operation scheduling can increase the attractiveness of public transit systems and be conducive to the sustainability of transportation systems. Setting headways on a bus route is the key work of bus scheduling. For the refined management requirements of bus scheduling, this paper comprehensively considers the influence of three uncertainties on the bus route headway: passenger demand elasticity, which is an elasticity with respect to the supply of service, the randomness of the bus travel time between bus stops, and the abandoned passengers flow. A bus route headway allocation model is established. Considering the attractiveness of bus traveling and the interests of passengers, the objective functions are the maximum number of passengers waiting for the bus at each stop and the minimum number of passengers who fail to board. An enumeration combining a recursive algorithm under Monte Carlo random simulation conditions is designed to solve the problem. A comparison of the optimal bus departure interval (headway of the origin stop) under different conditions is studied using a numerical case. Under the same conditions, the results show that the model proposed in this paper can reduce the passengers waiting time and attract more passengers traveling by bus and it also meets the goal of sustainable public transport well. These findings are significant references for optimizing bus operations considering these uncertain factors.

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