To begin to solve the traffic problem, the City decided it was time for a MAJOR investment in transit. In addition to more buses, dedicated bus lanes, a unified fare system with simple transfers between bus and metro, it was time to upgrade the aging metro system built in the 1970s. In 1995, the Plan Integrado de Transporte Urbano (PITU) changed spending priorities and public perception. They City now splits transportation money 50/50 between transit and roads (compare to roughly 80/20 in the US for cars/other modes). The goal of PITU is to increase the subway network by 1000% over 25 years. This is achievable thanks to the relatively low cost conversion of freight rail lines, but the bigger challenge is that of changing public opinion. To that end, the City has launched major add campaigns aimed at changing habits and has seen enormous changes in public opinion each year according to surveys. Keeping trains clean, safe, running on time, and very easy to pay for and transfer between has been key to changing the public perception of transit so that the large middle class will choose to leave their cars at home.
No comments:
Post a Comment