Public Transport Archive - mib | Mobility Institute Berlin

Milan Climate Plan 2050

Written on July 13, 2021.

Milan is developing a Climate Plan, whose goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Since early 2021, inhabitants of the city have been able to vote and submit their opinions on the 49 measures included in the plan. What makes Milan’s plan special is that the strategy has not been developed from scratch but builds on past measures that have proven to be effective in the past. Nonetheless, the plan is adaptable including some pandemic-related measures. To effectively implement the plan and control the process, Milan has developed interim targets to be met by 2030: Reduction of car traffic by 50% by expanding public transport services and creating new bike lanes; Reduction of parking spaces and “reclaiming the city” for pedestrians; Increasing the urban forest area by planting trees; Installation of solar panels. Milan is the first Italian municipality to make such a concrete commitment to sustainable urban change. With a view to the past, present and future , the city developed a crisis-proof climate plan that makes it possible to achieve ambitious goals.

BRT Metz

Written on June 22, 2021.

It does not always have to be a tram! The city of Metz in the north-east of France has built a new Bus Rapid Transit-System (BRT) named METTIS. The goal: create a modern, quick and yet affordable public transport option. Despite initial resistance, the success story began with the start of operations in 2013. Now METTIS carries over 13 million passengers per year. In doing so, it has helped to reduce traffic by 10%. The two METTIS lines cover a distance of 17,8 km in Metz. Buses run on their own lane with priority at crossings. The system serves 39 stops across the city which connect 80% of all workplaces and half of the schools to the transport system. METTIS’ 24-meter-long, double-articulated, hybrid buses are such a big success that the city of Metz is already planning another line.

Vitoria-Gasteiz: New Public Transport Network

Written on June 21, 2021.

Can a transport system be so well integrated into city planning that it is only noticeable when it is needed? Yes, it can! And the capital of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, is an example of this. Since 2008, the city has been working on a transportation network that will bring about a lasting change in mobility. The project consists of three steps. In the first step, a 1.7-km streetcar line was extended into the residential areas. In the second step, the streetcar network was extended by 2.5 km to better connect the residential areas. In order to be able to serve the entire route, a 10.5-km-long network with all-electric BRT buses was created as a supplement. Thus, the old transportation network, which included 18 bus lines, became a new one with one tram and nine bus lines. The lower number of lines does not mean that the city districts are less well connected, but rather the other way around. The results speak for themselves: 70% increase in satisfaction with the new public transport network ; higher frequency on weekdays (11 min instead of 20 min) and on weekends (16 min instead of 26 min); reduction of travel time up to 20%. The new transport network fights against public transport clich?s and makes public transport a competitive alternative to the car. Keep it up!

EasyCard

Written on June 10, 2021.

Credit card, ID, public transport card… Wallets are getting thicker and thicker and new cards hardly fit in them anymore. This problem does not exist in Taiwan, because they have EasyCard, which is also called Yoyo Card by locals. EasyCard is a contactless smart card that has been in use since 2002. Similar to the Octopus Card from Hong Kong, EasyCard was initially intended only for public transportation. Over time, cafes, restaurants, kiosks, department stores, supermarkets and even cabs joined in – this can all be payed for with an EasyCard. “The innovation never stops here at EasyCard Corp” – write the card’s inventors on their website. Here?s how it works: The card is linked to the user’s bank account and can be topped up automatically. Currently, the card can be used at all subway stops, on thousands of buses and in parking lots. It can be used to pay cell phone bills and visit libraries, sights, cinemas, parks, pharmacies and clinics – all with just one card. In Taiwan, you can forget your wallet at home if you have your EasyCard with you!

Utrecht Green Bus Stops

Written on February 22, 2021.

How can urban life be green and healthy for everyone? The city of Utrecht answers this question with its green bus stops with plant-covered roofs. The roofs catch fine dust, store rainwater and the plants attract insects because they are good sources of nectar. All green busstops in Utrecht are equipped with LED lighting while solar panels are installed on 96 of the bus stops. Moreover, all bus stops have a bamboo bench, and the base of the bus shelters is made of recycled concrete. They look nice and make the city greener. Utrecht now has 316 busstops with green plant-covered roofs. They contribute to a healthy environment in the city making it more livable. They benefit people because they are comfortable and visually pleasing, while also supporting insects that call the city their home.

Octopus Card Hong Kong

Written on February 22, 2021.

Octopus is a automatic fare-collection and contactless smartcard-payment system, used among other things for publictransport, parking, retail, school attendance and to control access to buildings. Octopus has relieved HongKong citizens from the hassle of using cash since 1997. Octopus Cards play a huge role in people’s lives in Hong Kong. Today, over 95% of Hong Kong’s population between ages 15 and 64 own an Octopus Card. There are over 35 million active cards – which is 4 times more than the population of Hong Kong. Octopus Card has been a role model for similar systems like Oyster Card in London, Navigo card in Paris or Opal Card in New South Wales. It was introduced to neighboring city of Shenzhen, Guangdong & Macau and its technology has been adapted in Netherlands, Dubai and NZ. Octopus’ electronic payment system is widely trusted. Accepted by more than 15.000 retail service providers, Octopus is entrusted with 15 million transactions every day, which are overall worth more than 23 million euro.

BONNsmart

Written on February 22, 2021.

The new BONNsmart system makes ticketing in public transport easier and more seamless. Passengers can use validators in buses and trains to check in and out with a debit card or smartphone. After 24 hours the best price for all trips is calculated and billed. “BONNsmart of SWB Bus und Bahn makes it easier to use public transport. This service is both a project for climate protection and a future-oriented digital ‘Smart City’ offer for Bonn and the region.” – says Ashok Sridharan, Mayor of Bonn. BONNsmart makes Bonn the first city in Germany to implement this type of contactless payment system in public transport. Other cities like London or New York are already using this method successfully. After a test run, all 230 buses and 99 trains at SWB will be equipped with this technology. Hopefully Bonn will be a role model for other German cities!

Smart Bus Shelters Seoul

Written on February 22, 2021.

Ten new and smart bus shelters in Seoul will make public transport safer and more attractive during the Corona pandemic. They cost around 84.000 $ each and are providing highest standards for passengers: Temperature checking doors, ultraviolet disinfection lamps, air conditioning, hand sanitizer, free Wifi and real time information. These futuristic looking glass-walled-booths are state of the art! Each booth has been used by around 300 to 400 passengers a day, reports the Guardian. We are stoked to see if these kind of bus shelters are expanding in South Korea and worldwide.

24/7 bus lanes London

Written on February 22, 2021.

Transport for London is making bus transport faster and more reliable, starting in late summer 2020 with bus lanes available 24/7 for buses only. The measure should help to avoid a car-led recovery after the Corona crisis. The changes were planned to spread the passenger flows throughout the day, to avoid peak traffic as much as possible. The 24/7 bus lines will initially be tested for at least 6 months, accompanied by a feedback process in order to learn as much as possible during this time. We are convinced that this will allow the bus lanes to develop their full potential and provide passengers with a smooth ride.