The Role of Public Transport in Sustainable Urban Development

Abstract

Javni prijevoz ima ključnu ulogu u razvoju prometa i održivosti gradova. Povijesno gledano, razvoj prometa u svijetu i Hrvatskoj omogućio je povezivanje ljudi i roba, gospodarski rast i društveni napredak. S vremenom su se razvile različite vrste javnog prijevoza (autobusi, vlakovi, tramvaji), koji danas čine temelj urbane mobilnosti. Glavni izazovi javnog prijevoza su konkurencija osobnim vozilima, problemi učinkovitosti i prilagodba potrebama stanovništva. Posebno je važan gradski promet, jer omogućuje svakodnevno kretanje velikog broja ljudi, a cestovni promet ima značajnu ulogu u tom sustavu. Povećanje učinkovitosti korištenja cestovne infrastrukture i integracija različitih oblika prijevoza (integrirani sustavi) ključni su za poboljšanje dostupnosti i kvalitete usluge. U europskim i svjetskim gradovima primjena integriranih sustava prijevoza pokazala je pozitivne rezultate u povezivanju različitih prometnih modova i olakšavanju putovanja građanima. Planovi održivog urbanog razvoja i urbane mobilnosti usmjereni su na smanjenje negativnih utjecaja prometa na okoliš i poboljšanje kvalitete života.Public transport plays a key role in the development of traffic systems and the sustainability of cities. Historically, the development of transportation in both the world and Croatia has enabled the movement of people and goods, fostering economic growth and social progress. Over time, various forms of public transport, such as buses, trains, and trams, have evolved and today form the backbone of urban mobility. The main challenges faced by public transport include competition with private vehicles, issues of efficiency, and the need to adapt to the changing demands of the population. Urban transport, in particular, is of vital importance as it enables the daily mobility of large numbers of people, with road transport playing a significant role in this system. Improving the efficiency of road infrastructure and integrating different modes of transport (integrated systems) are key to enhancing accessibility and service quality. In European and global cities, the implementation of integrated transport systems has shown positive results in connecting different modes of transport and facilitating easier travel for citizens. Sustainable urban development and mobility plans are increasingly focused on reducing the negative environmental impacts of traffic and improving overall quality of life