Transport delays and long journey times are a widespread phenomenon in many cities today. What are the causes of this problem, and how could the situation be improved?

Transport

is an essential part of urban life, and

lengthy

Suggestion

longed

long

longer

journeys are frustrating and expensive for those concerned. There appear to be two main causes of

this

, and several possible solutions, as we will explain here. Perhaps the main cause is the lack of investment or funding for infrastructure in the form of high-capacity public

transport

and increased road space for private vehicles.

This

means that too many vehicles use the existing network, and congestion is inevitable. We see

this

in many cities globally,

such

as London or Tokyo. Many conurbations

also

lack finance for

transport

hubs,

such

as integrated road or rail facilities which could connect public and private

transport

,

thus

reducing bottlenecks. A

further

cause seems to be the problem of overcrowding in cities, whereby people migrate from the hinterland and settle in urban areas, putting strain on amenities, housing and above all on

transport

capacity.

This

means that an already stretched system was often pushed to a critical point, causing cancellations and breakdowns in technology used, especially in situations of urban sprawl

such

as in Latin America. Regarding potential solutions, probably the main remedy would be to encourage investment in better infrastructure,

for example

through subsidies or public-private partnerships as was tried successfully in Vietnam during the 1990’s.

This

enhances the network and fosters a sense of civic pride to everyone’s benefit. Another solution may be to use tax incentives to allow more home working, so that there is less need to commute from the suburbs to the inner city for work. A final response might be the development of a more flexible pattern of

transport

,

such

as communal car-pooling, which would reduce reliance on existing systems and vehicles. In conclusion, it seems that outdated infrastructure and overcrowding are the key factors behind

transport

frustrations. Possible solutions would involve better funding, and

also

innovation in ways of working and travelling to reduce the burden on the system.