Global population accounts for 6 billion citizens and it is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. Under the circumstances, mobility opportunities play a very important part in encouraging the use of public transport. It is mainly due to its intense promotion and because of climate change, mostly influenced by road traffic (we refer strictly to the effect of the transport segment), that individual motorized transport will no longer be so popular, while public transport will become the only viable source in terms of ensuring mobility, either urban, regional or long-distance.
To counteract the challenges imposed by the public transport segment, this year’s edition of the International Transport Forum (ITF) has proposed to promote its importance, launching topics on the latest and future development projects, stressing the importance of safety, accessibility, the rights of passengers, financing and sustainability.
“Mobility and society is a very important area, particularly because mobility doesn’t mean only to move from one place to another, mobility means access to opportunities, to work, to studies, to enjoying ourselves, as well as access to other public services. So mobility means opportunities, it is crucial for every citizen and should also be important for politicians. The most important challenge is to change our behaviour, mindset and make mobility in a sustainable way”, said Eva Molnar, Director of the Transport Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe UNECE.
In the society, mobility launches both opportunities and challenges stressing more the importance of citizens, users, communities and less the importance of equipments and supply. Under the circumstances, communication and technology will become priorities to keep citizens informed, “a vital segment, which will significantly develop. There is no doubt that information technology will rapidly develop. Take for example the incidents, such as the ash cloud in Island. People had not had sufficient access to information. For mobility opportunities, information technology is vital”, declared at the summit, Jack Short, Secretary General of ITF during 2001-2011 (May).
Mobility challenges generated by the increasing demand in terms of quality services and with regard to the environmental impact offer new opportunities to urban regions which are constantly developing. Under the circumstances, cities are the optimal place for the development of the human potential, but this requires efficient mobility, providing users with necessary information, comfort and accessibility, especially related to costs.
by Pamela Luică
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