area of interest

From an Urban Systems Design perspective, I am interested in the movement of people within the built environment; in particular, making cost, time and environmental aspects a priority. I believe that transportation by foot, non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles, and mass transportation systems working together are critical to the efficient movement of people, and therefore a key to building sustainable cities. I am also interested in studying the factors that make people choose tranist over other forms of transportation, and what might motivate a city such as Calgary to move from an automobile dependant state to a multi-modal mass transit environment.

I find other urban systems factors that are inter-related with (and necessary to) the existence of efficient mass transportation systems similarly interesting. I think that it is important to recognize factors such as density, diversity and clean energy among many when considering mass transportation systems and their relationship to efficient and sustainable environments.

I feel that mass transit should be able to offer quick, inexpensive and convenient movement to its clients. By offering this level of service, it should be able to reduce transportation by private vehicles. At the same time, if it is servicing a large number of people, then it follows that there will be smaller carbon footprints for each person using the system, plus the reduction in pollution generated by private vehicle trips.

If the system still runs at regular capacity with less than peak usage, then the positive environment affects of mass transit are not there.

mass transit

Calgary’s transit system is a good start towards getting people out of their cars and around the city. I'm excited to see CTrains and busses packed like the train cars I’ve seen in Japan. However, it seems that our transit system is only packed during weekday morning and afternoon rush hours. I’ve often seen full sized busses traveling nearly empty around suburbs on weekends.

Cities like Tokyo and New York offer a high level of mass transportation service, and I’m sure are succeeding in reducing overall vehicle traffic and pollution. I would like to see Calgary move in this direction.

development around transit

The City of Calgary has declared its intention to start developing density around transit stations. The move has been met largely by public backlash, but I’m happy to hear that this idea is even on the table.

I’m disappointed with stations like Cinook, where trains let people out several blocks away from the shopping centre. This added inconvenience must distract from using transit as a realistic option for many Calgarians. I think most people would find it easier to drive and park at the mall than walk or drive to a CTrain station, wait for a train and then still have to walk to the final destination after arrival.

In Japan, transit stations like Shinjuku are almost small cities unto themselves; supporting dense buildings with residences, work and shopping, plus the added convenience of being able to board local and often regional trains at any time.

long term planning

In order for Calgary to develop a transit system that would encourage people to give up some or most of their driving, and therefore positively affect the environment, I think that long term planning is crucial. The CTrain in Calgary has largely been added as an afterthought, and only as money comes along from the Provincial or Federal governments. Case in point, the now rapid development of the West LRT line is due to recent Provincial oil windfalls.

Cities in Japan at some point (I’m assuming after World War II) chose to make public transit a high priority. Japan's smaller geographic area makes local and regional travel by train more feasible than perhaps in Canada, but the principle is the same. I’m pleased that Calgary is expanding transit lines, and planning to to expand in the future as money becomes available, but I think that a much more consistent and planned effort is needed.

transit servicing sprawl

I’ve often seen full sized busses traveling nearly empty around suburbs on weekends. I think that suburban sprawl does not the afford ridership rates, not to mention the user fees, necessary to make mass transit an efficient operation. I think in these scenarios mass transit systems are only contributing further to pollution and environmental problems. I think it can only be environmentally beneficial when it is able to get people out of their cars.