Principles of sustainable multimodal urban public transport systems

Abstract

Multimodality is one of the key elements of efficient urban transport systems, bearing in mind that 80% of Europeans live in an urban environment; the need of efficient urban transportation systems is undisputable. Most means of public transport, private cars, lorries, cyclists and pedestrians all share the same urban infrastructure. The European Commission draws attention on following figures: urban transport accounts for 40% of CO2 emissions of road transport and up to 70% of other pollutants from transport; one in three road fatalities occurs in cities; congestion problems, too, are concentrated in and around cities. [1]. Transport policy makers must find methods to increase mobility and at the same time to reduce negative effects of public transport (congestion, accidents, noise and pollution). The answer to that is a development of sustainable multimodal public transport system. In passenger transportation we describe multimodal journey as the one that involves more than one type of transport (it is recommendable to involve as many modes as it is necessary for seamless transportation). The similar term of intermodality more refers to the ability to switch seamlessly between transport types with limited waiting times and smooth transitions [2]. When we talk about sustainable multimodal systems, usually it encompasses both terms. Sustainable multimodality leads to a better productivity and attractiveness of urban public transport and positively influences people's mobility in an urban area.