Developing countries often face challenges when it comes to providing efficient and accessible public transportation systems. The lack of funding, planning, and infrastructure are some of the reasons that make it hard for these countries to create a reliable transportation network. However, this does not stop organizations and governments from seeking solutions to improve public transportation systems in developing countries. Let us look at some of the efforts made toward the cause.
Funding Development Projects
Funding is the fundamental need for most development projects, including public transportation systems. Developing countries need to invest wisely in various transportation projects by finding the right type of funding to meet up with their transportation demand. Most governments that are concerned about transportation welfare usually get loans and grants to finance their public transportation projects.
The World Bank, African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other international organizations provide financial support to different countries in implementing sustainable public transportation systems. The funding can be used in the design, development, and construction of transit systems, infrastructure such as bus stops and train stations, and even for purchasing vehicles and equipment necessary for running the system.
Improving Public Bus Services
Improving public bus services is another effort that has been taken to transform public transportation in developing countries. Governments have ramped up their efforts to enhance bus transportation services in cities and towns to enhance accessibility and affordability of transportation.
By increasing the number of buses and expanding bus lines, governments aim to provide better access to transportation services. Additionally, technology has been at the forefront of efforts in improving the bus services. In many cases, GPS systems have been installed in buses to ensure that the operations are well-coordinated and streamlined with the bus dispatcher, thereby reducing lapses in schedules and speeding up the commute time.
Construction of Mass Rapid Transit Systems
Mass rapid transit (MRT) systems are a step up from the traditional bus services, and are suitable for large cities with high population density. Developing countries have started investing in MRT to improve their transportation networks. These projects provide advantages like reduced traffic congestion, enhanced connectivity, and reduce commuting time around the city.
Countries like India, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and several others have implemented MRT systems, serving millions of commuters every day. The construction of these systems allows the public to upgrade to a faster and reliable system of transportation.
Introduction of Bike-Sharing Programs
Bike-sharing programs is an innovative solution by developed countries to increase accessibility to public transportation by providing another option for individuals to commute where a majority of trips can be completed in under 30 minutes. Bike-sharing programs involve renting bicycles available for public use within a given city centre. Customers can purchase subscriptions or pay per use.
The bike-sharing program is a money-saving option, especially for short distances and is environmentally friendly as it reduces CO2 emissions. Governments and organizations in developing countries have implemented bike-sharing programs, providing an additional commuting option available to the public that eases traffic congestion and air pollution.
Partnerships with Private Sectors
Governments and private sectors have started adopting new ways of partnerships to improve public transportation systems in developing countries. While governments alone are unlikely to overcome a lack of funding and technical capacity, private sectors can help to overcome these challenges by providing solutions or financing.
In Ethiopia, for example, the government partnered with the Danish Embassy to implement a public transportation system using modern technology. The system is built to enable commuters to access accurate scheduling data, along with the ability to pre-book journeys via SMS, mobile payment, or visit the website to streamline the process and remove barriers for public commuting. The project has reduced congestion and waiting time for over 200,000 passengers who use it every day.
Conclusion
Improving public transportation systems in developing countries is imperative in building livable and sustainable cities. These efforts have been taken to make it more accessible and reliable to all communities who use these services. It is essential that governments, international organizations, and private sectors work together by investing the necessary funds and finding viable solutions to create the efficient public transportation system necessary to meet the ever-growing demand. These efforts not only help the economy but also create a better future for the people living in those countries.