AlBefore we get into it, this will become a little bit of a running theme for me. Variations there of. But in this post, I’m going to lay down the foundations for future scribbles and my thoughts on Public Transport.

I have, over the years, lived and worked in lots of places; UK, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Netherlands and quite a lot of Africa. Although, given how much of Africa there actually is, quite a lot is actually not very much at all. But I did enjoy it.

The last decade or so has been in Europe. Some of it English speaking, some of it French, lots of it German. And Ireland. Public transport, in Europe does vary quite a lot from really quite good to bloody excellent. There are some key points which make or break public transport; price, availability, reach and interconnectivity. It is the last time which, I think, is the deal breaker. It does not matter how cheap transport is, if it does not get you from A to B, if it does not complete the journey, then it fails. Unbelievably, in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council recently voted to shorten a cycle lane, because, some how, it does not matter if it does not go all the way to the end. Madness.

So, yes, A to B, end to end is important. Interconnectivity also means A to B using different types of public transport; trams, buses, trolley buses and trains. They should all work together. Blend that with the ability for public transport to facilitate active travel; walking, hiking and biking by having space, facilities to carry the paraphernalia, rucksacks, bikes etc. This is, after all, public bloody transport. Transport for the Public.

So, If I Ruled the World, …..

…… the building, the provision of integrated, widespread, ubiquitous Public Transport would be mandatory. Public Transport, would cover different forms of mobility: trams, buses, trains, trolley buses and things that yet exist of have a definition. Where appropriate, boats, ships on lakes and rivers or across seas. Integrated. Joined up. Roads are re-thoughts to be publics transport first, pedestiran / cyclists second and cars ….. almost never.