NIGHT OWL
Public transportation costs approximately one-sixteenth (1/16) of what people pay for owning and using a personal vehicle, according to the International Association of Public Transport (UITP). This makes mass transit a vital instrument to alleviate social inequalities in urban areas.
In a study released by the UITP, “Why Public Transport is Key to Achieving the SDGs,” it tackled the many benefits of mass transportation and how it can help societies in realizing the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
The affordability and accessibility of public transportation help address SDG 1 on zero poverty due to its cost-effectiveness that allows people from all walks of life enhanced access to basic services and opportunities, such as equitable access to education, which is under SDG 4.
It also contributes to the SDGs that promote gender equality and social, economic and political inclusion, as public transportation offers equal mobility opportunities regardless of gender, ager or social background.
These benefits are possible with the right policies in place. In terms of affordability, for instance, Luxembourg, as well as some other highly developed and wealthy cities, can provide public transport for free; but for some urban centers, they can only subsidize or offer reduced fares for certain categories of commuters.
In Vienna, Austria, they made the annual public transport ticket cheaper, with further discounts for students, while the parking fees imposed in the city help subsidize the reduced cost of the public transport tickets.
In Sao Paulo, Brazil, there was a minor fare increase in the Sao Paulo Line 4, but it was due to the improvements they made towards integrated accessibility and better experience for passengers, especially for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Here in the Philippines, students, senior citizens, and PWDs avail of discounted fares in public transportation. In the MRT and LRT lines, as well as in buses, there are designated areas or seats for women, children, the elderly, and PWDs.
The C40—a global network of city mayors who are united in action to fight the climate crisis through sustainability options such as mass transit—believes it is also important to carry out programs aimed at empowering underserved communities to have the confidence to use public transport without worrying that there could be barriers to access.
The availability and affordability of public transport can either reinforce or alleviate social inequalities in urban areas. Thus, it is vital to invest heavily in a public transportation system that is inclusive, accessible, cost-effective, and efficient.
In enhancing the availability and affordability of public transportation, we do not only promote social equity but also improve the overall quality of life by ensuring that more individuals, especially the marginalized, disadvantaged, and underserved, have equal access to services, facilities, and opportunities.