The Power of Reliable and Efficient Public Transport: Showcasing Tokyo, Manila, and Tarragona

Stories of the Importance of Reliable and Efficient Public Transport

Introduction

Greenpeace has been advocating for affordable and accessible public transport as a fundamental need around the world. It is an issue that affects individuals, communities, and the global population as a whole. Reliable and efficient public transport can transform both urban and rural communities by reducing the need for cars that contribute to pollution. It provides a lifeline for people, enabling them to commute to work, school, healthcare services, and social activities. In this article, we will discuss three stories from Tokyo, Manila, and Tarragona that highlight the importance of reliable and efficient public transport.

Tarragona, Spain: Infrequent and Unreliable Trains

In Tarragona, Catalonia, Joana is a high school teacher whose daily commute to Barcelona can be incredibly stressful. The trains between Tarragona and Barcelona are infrequent and unreliable, causing Joana to constantly worry about arriving on time. If the train she typically catches is shorter than usual, she has to run to make sure she can board. Many people are forced to wait for the next train, and those who make it may have to stand for the entire journey. If the train is delayed or too crowded for Joana to get on, she will be late for work.

Joana takes the train because it saves her money with a frequent traveler pass and reduces emissions compared to driving. However, she feels that the overall experience would be less stressful if the trains were more frequent and reliable. Joana emphasizes that the lack of accessible public transport hampers her social and cultural life, as she is hesitant to leave home without a reliable means of transportation.

Manila, Philippines: A Challenging Commute

Bea Dolores, a young professional based in Manila, commutes daily from her province, Laguna, to Metro Manila. Her journey begins with a tricycle, a common mode of transport in provincial areas, which takes her to the next stop where she can catch a Jeepney, a popular Filipino public transport vehicle. However, she then has to traverse a large footbridge with steep steps, making it less accessible for senior citizens or people with disabilities, to reach the bus stop. The bus won’t depart until it’s fully occupied, and Bea must then cross another major footbridge, which poses challenges for cyclists who need to carry their bikes.

Afterward, Bea walks over 500 meters to the Metro station, where long queues form for tickets unless commuters have reloadable travel cards. Fortunately, Bea has one of these cards as she frequently travels. Finally, she rushes to catch the train and stands throughout the journey until she reaches her stop. Bea’s 5-hour commute illustrates the challenges that she and other commuters in Manila face on a daily basis. She highlights the resilience of the Filipino people but expresses the hope for a world where every journey is an opportunity to thrive.

Tokyo, Japan: Limited Transport Options

In Tokyo, Yuma is an intern at the Greenpeace office, living in Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture. Her journey to the office in Shimbashi, Tokyo takes approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes. Yuma relies on a combination of transportation methods, occasionally getting a ride to the closest station, which takes about 15 minutes by car. Buses no longer service her area due to a declining population. From her local station, Yuma can choose between the Shinkansen (bullet train) or regular trains, with the latter being slower and more affordable. Regardless of the train she takes, it is a better environmental choice than driving.

Yuma is eligible for a 20% student discount on train tickets, but the slower train is the only affordable option for her. When she travels early, the trains are less crowded, allowing Yuma to read or sleep during the journey. While she can work from home, she chooses to travel to the office up to three times a week to gain valuable experience and communication with her Greenpeace colleagues. Yuma believes that the freedom to travel and access to transportation are crucial for learning opportunities and future options. She expresses the desire for travel and transport to be accessible and affordable for everyone.

A Global Need

Public transport plays a powerful role in reducing emissions, improving air quality, and creating greener spaces. It can also increase wages, promote equality, create jobs, enhance social cohesion, and alleviate loneliness by connecting communities. To achieve these benefits, governments worldwide should prioritize investment in improving infrastructure for cycling and walking, ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable public transport, and making it universally accessible.

These measures represent an easy win for social and climate justice and directly contribute to a better quality of life. It is crucial for governments to recognize and address the diverse needs and challenges of their citizens when shaping transportation policies. By providing reliable and efficient public transport, societies can foster sustainable mobility and empower individuals to thrive.

About the Author

Lauren Kemp is a communications consultant based in London.

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