Global Transport Projects: New Trams, Rail Safety Tech, and Expanding Metro Networks Improving Urban Transit Systems: Know More About it – Travel And Tour World

 

Report on Global Urban Transport Projects and Their Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Advancing Sustainable Urban Mobility

Recent developments in urban transportation systems worldwide demonstrate a significant commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through infrastructure expansion, technological innovation, and operational enhancements, cities are actively working towards creating more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments. This report details several key projects and their direct contributions to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

European Initiatives in Sustainable Transit

European cities are at the forefront of modernizing public transport networks to enhance service quality and environmental performance.

• Prague and Plzeň, Czech Republic: The introduction of new tram fleets, including the ForCity Plus 52T in Prague and the Type 40T in Plzeň, directly supports SDG 11.2 by providing access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems. These modern, energy-efficient vehicles also contribute to SDG 13 by offering an environmentally friendly alternative to private cars, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of urban mobility.
• Angers, France: Loire Métropole’s renewal of RATP Dev’s contract to operate the Irigo network until 2031 underscores a long-term commitment to sustainable urban development. The operator’s focus on minimizing environmental impact while managing a 26% increase in ridership aligns with SDG 11 and SDG 13. This success showcases a viable model for increasing public transit usage.
• Blackpool, United Kingdom: An independent viability study for the heritage tram fleet addresses SDG 11.4 (protect and safeguard cultural heritage). By ensuring these trams meet modern safety standards through speed-limiting technology and enhanced driver training, the project balances cultural preservation with the safety requirements of SDG 11.2.

Technological Advancements in North America

Chicago, USA: Enhancing Safety through Innovation

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is launching a pilot program utilizing Sensonic’s distributed acoustic sensing technology. This initiative is a direct contribution to several SDGs:

1. SDG 9: The deployment of cutting-edge fiber optic sensing technology represents a significant investment in innovative and resilient infrastructure.
2. SDG 11: By automatically detecting track intrusions and falls, the system enhances the safety and security of the public transport network, a key target of SDG 11.2. Improved reliability contributes to a more efficient and sustainable urban transit system.

Network Expansions and Operational Excellence in Asia

• Makkah, Saudi Arabia: The Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah metro line’s performance during the Hajj pilgrimage is a critical case study in providing sustainable transport for all (SDG 11.2). Safely and efficiently transporting 1.87 million passengers in seven days under challenging conditions demonstrates the successful implementation of a mass transit solution that ensures the well-being and accessibility for a vulnerable group of users.
• New Taipei, Taiwan: The contract for Hitachi Rail to deliver advanced Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) and SCADA systems for the Xidong and Keelung lines is a key step in building resilient infrastructure (SDG 9). These state-of-the-art systems will ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operations, improving the quality and sustainability of the expanding urban network for commuters (SDG 11).

Summary of Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals

These global projects collectively advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in several key areas:

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Projects enhance access to safe, affordable, and sustainable public transport, improve urban mobility, increase safety, and protect cultural heritage.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The adoption of new trams, advanced train control systems, and innovative safety technologies builds resilient, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): By improving and expanding public transport, these initiatives encourage a modal shift away from private vehicles, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmentally sustainable travel.

Conclusion

The global trend in urban transport is a clear investment in a sustainable future. Initiatives from Prague to New Taipei are not merely modernizing transit networks but are fundamentally aligning urban development with the Sustainable Development Goals. By prioritizing efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility, these projects are creating public transportation systems that are more passenger-centric and integral to building the sustainable cities of tomorrow.

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The article extensively discusses the development and modernization of transport infrastructure. This includes the introduction of new trams in Prague and Plzeň, the expansion of tram lines in Angers, and the implementation of advanced train control systems in New Taipei. These projects represent significant investments in creating reliable and technologically advanced infrastructure.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The core theme of the article is the improvement of urban transit systems. Projects in Prague, Angers, Chicago, and New Taipei are aimed at making public transport more efficient, safe, and accessible for city dwellers. The focus on expanding public transport, enhancing safety, and considering environmental impacts directly contributes to making cities more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure

• The article highlights several examples of this target in action. The deployment of “new ForCity Plus 52T trams” in Prague, the delivery of “22 Type 40T trams” in Plzeň, and the contract for Hitachi Rail to deliver “SelTrac communications-based train control and Alvea SCADA systems” in New Taipei are all initiatives to develop quality, reliable, and technologically advanced transport infrastructure. The goal is to provide “better performance and reliability” for commuters.

Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all

• This target is central to the article. The expansion of public transport is shown in Angers, where two new tram lines were launched, and in New Taipei with its expanding urban network. The safety aspect is directly addressed by the Chicago Transit Authority’s pilot program using “Sensonic’s distributed acoustic sensing technology” to “automatically detect falls or intrusions on the tracks.” The Makkah metro line, which carried “1.87 million passengers” during the Hajj, exemplifies providing transport for a specific, large-scale need, ensuring access for pilgrims.

Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities

• The article touches upon this target by mentioning environmental considerations. In Angers, the operator RATP Dev will focus on “care for the environment and minimising footprint.” Similarly, the new trams in Plzeň are described as offering “more comfortable and environmentally friendly travel.” These actions point towards efforts to reduce the environmental impact of urban transport.

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Proportion of the population that has convenient access to public transport

• This is implied through the expansion of services. In Angers, the launch of “two new tram lines” and a “26%” increase in ridership to “exceeded 43 million journeys per year” indicate improved access and use of public transport. The Makkah metro line’s performance, completing “2,154 trips” and serving “1.87 million passengers,” is a direct measure of providing transport access.

Number of public transport vehicles and infrastructure upgrades

• The article provides specific numbers that serve as indicators. This includes the trial of “new ForCity Plus 52T trams” in Prague, the delivery of “22 Type 40T trams” in Plzeň, and the implementation of new train control systems in New Taipei.

Implementation of new safety technologies and their coverage

• The Chicago pilot program provides a clear indicator for measuring safety improvements. The deployment of “Sensonic’s distributed acoustic sensing technology” is a specific action, and its effectiveness can be measured by its “potential reach of up to 75 km” per sensor and the goal of “decreasing mishaps.”

Adoption of environmentally friendly transport solutions

• While not quantified with emission data, the article points to this as a key focus. The operator in Angers focusing on “minimising footprint” and the new trams in Plzeň being “environmentally friendly” are qualitative indicators of progress towards more sustainable urban transport.

Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure	9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.	Number of new trams deployed (e.g., 22 Type 40T trams in Plzeň). Implementation of advanced control systems (e.g., Hitachi Rail’s SelTrac and Alvea SCADA in New Taipei).
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.	Annual passenger journeys (e.g., over 43 million in Angers). Percentage increase in ridership (e.g., 26% in Angers). Number of passengers served during specific events (e.g., 1.87 million pilgrims in Makkah). Implementation of new safety technology (e.g., acoustic sensing in Chicago). Coverage of safety systems (e.g., up to 75 km reach per sensor in Chicago).
	11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.	Adoption of environmentally friendly vehicles (e.g., new trams in Plzeň). Operator focus on environmental care and minimizing footprint (e.g., RATP Dev in Angers).

Source: travelandtourworld.com