Efficient transport equals progress

The disproportionate growth of urban centers, frequently disorganized and almost always ahead of Government planning, has set one of the most important challenges for any megacity: transportation .

Considering hundreds of people keep moving into cities worldwide, it's necessary to reinvent the transport infrastructure to meet the demand.

Moreover, similar to urban design, public transport services are also one of the main factors in creating a positive social dynamic, given their direct impact on quality of life .

Having an effective transport system not only favors interconnection and practicality, it also reduces some of the crime rates and reactivates isolated communities.

Likewise, when a public transport system is both, accessible and reliable, it also supports the decrease in social inequality – in addition to all public transport nowadays having to be sustainable.

As evidence of the above, EL UNIVERSAL published today stories of how the Integrated Transport System of the Aburrá Valley (SITVA) in Medellín, Colombia, in operation since 2011, has had a positive impact on the life of thousands of people, due to its efficiency and its low-cost /quality ratio – and in spite of the increasing demand, it hasn't lowered its operation standards.

Increased mobility in Medellín has even helped fight stigmas and prejudices against the inhabitants of the marginalized areas , who are now able to seek jobs without facing rejection due to their birthplace. This is a good example of how a good plan, transformed into a public transport service of quality, can create an efficient circle of growth and progress for its inhabitants.

Perhaps Mexico should take this as an example to boost a public transport system that can effectively interconnect our largest metropolitan areas – such as Mexico City , Monterrey , and Guadalajara , to mention the three biggest cities in our country.

To invest on a massive and integrated transport network – which undoubtedly needs to consider pedestrian and cycling infrastructures – will most certainly improve the quality of life, air, and road security of our cities.

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