I echo what this man, always very wise in their opinions.
Recently, the Department of Infrastructure has released a study of mobility in the metropolitan area of \u200b\u200bValencia. As expected, displayed no surprises in our cities Mediterranean journeys on foot are somewhat mainstream within populations, while the motor is dominant in the commute. Of the vehicles, 70% are made by private vehicle (car or motorcycle), and only 30% public transport. The bike appears for the first time significantly.
The minister announced his determination to achieve by 2020 a slight percentage increase in walking, cycling and public transport at the expense of a reduction in car travel, by means of "communication strategies." Without denying the importance of good public education campaign as part of a package of measures and policies, it is surprising that a Minister for Infrastructure preferably not act in their own area of \u200b\u200bcompetence: the provision of adequate infrastructure.
In parallel to these good intentions, continues to design infrastructure plans which can only reinforce the overwhelming weight of the car in the metropolitan mobility: duplication of highways and rails at the entrance to Valencia, new highways, rounds, distributors and 'rods' cross the entire region. More infrastructure that can only encourage greater car use, as is already more than demonstrated.
public transport systems also have improvement projects, it is true, but always subordinate to additions and infrastructure for the automobile, not instead of them. We took a couple of generations in the systematic investments have been far superior road to rail in its various forms, including the metro and tram (does not have high speed).
degrade After leaving the Metro Valencia, despite having ignored the warnings in the form of successive accident, he had to get to the serious incident of Jesus station, to be installed control systems and safety requirements. Recently completed the replacement of older rolling stock, but the withdrawal of the old units maintains a fleet that does not permit an improvement of frequency. I was in my village for 40 years a trenet every 15 minutes, and now I have a meter ... every 15 minutes.
There are many other possible measures, without the need for new infrastructure: reserve lanes into the city for buses and cars "high occupancy" (with three or more passengers), reducing car lanes step, a combined ticket for all public transport (in Barcelona for many years have a combined bonus bus-metro-suburban-Railways of the Generalitat, streetcar, interurban buses) and tram priority traffic light buses, completion of urban networks for bicycles (and intercity connections), subtract space to street traffic , to devote to such walking, they are the most important but also the most abused in the management of urban mobility. A Plan Sustainable Mobility, a package of comprehensive and consistent measures of deterrence and incentives, contrasting very well worldwide, but here are reluctant to consider our political and technical.
Doctor in Economics. Professor of Urbanism at the UPV
