NIGHT OWL
The 15-minute city model is now gaining traction as a feasible urban planning concept that is anchored on sustainability, inclusivity and innovation. With this idea that citizens’ basic needs will be accessible within 15 minutes of travel, many cities are looking at it as a means to improving urban quality of life.
Developed by Professor Carlos Moreno, a Franco-Colombian scientist and mathematician, and first implemented in the city of Paris, the concept is that everyday destinations like schools, stores, and offices should only be a short walk or bike ride away from home.
The strategy includes the development of more local jobs, local commerce, more friendly and greener neighborhoods; reducing the need for individual cars, reclaiming the public space, and developing cultural activities.
In more general terms, these are called polycentric cities that have been adopted by several cities in the world seeking to become more sustainable and less dependent on fossil fuels.
Role of public transportation
The UN-Habitat is rallying support for polycentric cities that are made of connected, mixed-use neighborhoods that provide access to key services, amenities, and public transport to all. It calls for less car dependency and more people-centric roads and nature-friendly neighborhoods.
But if the idea of these 15-minute cities is to allow access to essential needs and services without having to travel far, and even promote walking and cycling, then what would be the role of public transportation in it?
The C40, a global network of city mayors who are united in action to fight the climate crisis, has been promoting the polycentric cities concept.
The group underscores the need for an efficient, accessible and affordable public transit to stimulate better connections between and beyond neighborhoods. Because while citizens living in polycentric cities should not have the need to travel far for their daily needs, there will still be a need to travel outside of the city.
A good public transport system will allow for seamless travel when there is a need to travel to neighboring cities or go on social trips. The C40 provides four considerations in improving public transport system, most especially for a 15-minute city.
First is to have good walking and cycling connections to existing public transport stations or stops. This includes having safe and quality pedestrian infrastructure that can be accessible to anyone regardless of ability and mobility levels, as well as secure bike racks and parking spaces.
Second is enhancing the quality and density of public transport links between neighborhoods and to poorly-connected neighborhoods. This can be done by adding connecting bus routes in underserved neighborhoods, improving the density of bus stops, and increasing the speed and frequency of service.
Third is maximizing the affordability and accessibility of the public transport system. And lastly, facilitating multi-modal journeys with digital technology.
If we are to adopt the 15-minute city approach in Metro Manila, public transportation will be a crucial component considering that cities in the metropolis, while under different local governments, are interconnected.
We would need to expand the current bus rapid transit system along EDSA, continuous improvement and expansion of the LRT and MRT lines, and the first metro subway system which is currently ongoing construction. An integrated fare system that allows for seamless transfers between different modes of public transportation will be a good strategy too.
As cities look into the polycentric city model, it is important to keep in mind that efficient transport networks can support the goal of making all essential services within a 15-minute reach.