Robert Cervero - Transforming Cities with Transit

Summary

In this talk, Robert Saburo from the University of California at Berkeley discusses the growing challenges of urban mobility as cities become more motorized. He highlights the environmental, social, and economic costs of car-dependent cities and emphasizes the importance of sustainable transportation systems, such as public transit, biking, and pedestrian infrastructure. Saburo explores successful examples of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Curitiba, advocating for better planning and integration of transportation and land use. He concludes by stressing the potential of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in smaller cities, particularly in the Global South, for achieving sustainable growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cities worldwide are becoming increasingly motorized, driven by rising incomes and longer-distance trips, with countries like China adding 15,000 cars to their streets daily.
• 🚗 The rapid growth in car ownership, particularly in low-income countries, creates severe challenges such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and social exclusion.
• 🌍 Vehicle kilometers traveled per person (VKT) is a key metric for sustainability in the transport sector; increasing VKT leads to higher emissions, energy consumption, and land use.
• 💨 The car-dependent lifestyle leads to significant costs, including local air pollution (e.g., asthma, bronchitis), greenhouse gas emissions, and economic drag from congestion.
• ⏰ 'Time pollution' is a consequence of congestion, where people spend so much time in traffic that they lose quality time with family and community activities.
• 🚶‍♀️ Sustainable transport solutions must include integrated land use and investment in clean, efficient public transport like bicycles, buses, and rail systems.
• 🚉 Cities with a clear vision for growth, like Copenhagen, combine effective urban planning with advanced public transport systems to promote sustainable development.
• 🏙️ Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) encourages compact, mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods around transit hubs, fostering both accessibility and environmental sustainability.
• 🌳 TOD can be integrated with green urbanism—using renewable energy, minimal waste, and parks—which reduces carbon emissions and improves the quality of life in cities.
• 💡 Well-designed TOD not only promotes sustainability but also generates economic benefits, such as increased property values and enhanced public transport ridership.
• 🚌 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, especially in Latin America, have proven effective in providing high-capacity, cost-efficient public transit while promoting urban development along transit corridors.

Q & A

What is the primary topic of Robert Saburo's talk?

The primary topic of Robert Saburo's talk is transforming cities with transit, focusing on how transportation, particularly public transit, can address urban challenges caused by motorization and sprawl.

Why is rapid motorization in cities considered a global issue?

Rapid motorization is a global issue because it leads to significant challenges such as increased vehicle ownership, urban sprawl, pollution, congestion, and social exclusion, which all contribute to deteriorating urban life quality.

What are some of the environmental costs associated with car-dependent cities?

Car-dependent cities face environmental costs such as increased air pollution (both local and global), higher greenhouse gas emissions, and higher energy consumption. The impact of these cities includes issues like health problems due to air pollution and higher carbon footprints.

How does congestion affect people's quality of life?

Congestion reduces people's quality of life by causing significant time loss, leading to less time for family, community involvement, and leisure. It can also create 'time pollution' and reduce overall community engagement.

What is the 'Avoid, Shift, and Improve' strategy in transportation planning?

'Avoid, Shift, and Improve' is a strategy that advocates for avoiding unnecessary trips, shifting to more sustainable transportation modes (such as biking, walking, and public transit), and improving the efficiency of transport systems using clean and sustainable technologies.

How does public transportation contribute to sustainability?

Public transportation is considered one of the most sustainable forms of mobility as it uses fewer resources like urban space per person, reduces the environmental impact, and alleviates traffic congestion. It becomes even more effective when integrated with urban land use planning.

What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), and why is it important?

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a form of urban development that focuses on creating compact, mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods around public transportation hubs. It promotes sustainable living by reducing dependence on cars and fostering vibrant communities that integrate transportation with daily activities.

Can you provide an example of a successful TOD project?

An example of a successful TOD project is the Pleasant Hill station in California, where residents take public transit significantly more than those in surrounding neighborhoods due to the development of housing and services around the transit station.

How has Copenhagen approached urban planning to promote sustainable transit?

Copenhagen's urban planning emphasizes compact, mixed-use development along well-defined corridors, paired with investments in public transportation and bicycle infrastructure. The city's 'Finger Plan' has been successful in guiding growth and integrating transit systems into the urban fabric.

What role does green urbanism play in Transit-Oriented Development?

Green urbanism in TOD involves integrating environmental sustainability, such as energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and low waste practices. It helps to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption, making TOD not only more livable but also environmentally responsible.