Introduction

As a result of urbanization and the advancement of motorization worldwide, urban car traffic has been increasing. However, existing roads and parking facilities are no longer sufficient to handle this increase, leading to various imbalances between the urban environment and urban transportation.

In recent years, rapid urbanization has been occurring worldwide. With the increase in urban populations, motorization has also advanced, leading to a rise in the number of automobiles in many cities. Against this backdrop, urban traffic volumes have been increasing, giving rise to various problems.

Often, the infrastructure of roads and public transportation systems lags behind the pace of urban growth. Consequently, existing roads and parking facilities are unable to accommodate new traffic, resulting in worsening congestion, particularly during the morning and evening commute times.

This article will address the following urban transportation challenges:

• Traffic congestion
• Traffic accidents
• Environmental pollution due to transportation
• Decline of public transportation services

Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion is one of the most prominent issues in urban areas.

• Congestion in Public Transportation during Rush Hours
  Especially during the morning and evening, many people use public transportation for commuting. As a result, vehicles become crowded on many routes, leading to uncomfortable traveling conditions for passengers. This state of affairs can potentially impact daily productivity and health.

• Car Congestion in City Centers
  With the increasing number of automobiles, traffic congestion is becoming frequent, particularly in city centers. Congestion results in unpredictable travel times, imposing various constraints on business activities and daily life.

• Shortage of Urban Railways and Its Impact
  In some cities, there is a shortage of urban railway systems. Consequently, people are forced to rely on private vehicles for transportation, exacerbating traffic congestion and creating a cycle of worsening congestion.

• Social and Economic Impact of Traffic Congestion
  Traffic congestion leads to wastage of fuel, time loss, increased stress, and various social and economic consequences. These impacts can have long-term effects on urban sustainability and residents' quality of life.

Traffic Accidents

Alongside the increase in urban traffic, traffic accidents are also on the rise.

• Accidents Involving Cars, Motorcycles, and Bicycles
  The diversification of transportation modes has led to an increase in accidents involving cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. These accidents are often caused by factors such as speeding, reckless driving, and lack of attention.

• Accidents involving Pedestrians
  Accidents involving pedestrians are a concern in high-density urban environments. Accidents, particularly at intersections and crosswalks, are common, with causes often attributed to driver negligence, signal disregard, and pedestrians entering roads suddenly.

• Railway-Related Accidents
  Railway accidents are also a significant concern. Accidents during boarding and alighting at platforms and accidents at railway crossings are frequent occurrences. These accidents can have significant impacts on lives, time, and property.

Environmental Pollution Due to Transportation

The environmental impacts of increased urban traffic are diverse.

• CO2 Emissions and Global Warming
  CO2 emissions from automobiles and public transportation contribute to global warming. This issue is particularly severe in urban areas with a high number of vehicles.

• Air Pollution
  Air pollution caused by vehicle emissions is a major environmental issue in cities. Emissions containing nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter (PM2.5) have adverse effects on public health.

• Noise and Vibration
  Individuals residing near high-traffic roads or railway lines often experience stress due to noise and vibration. This stress can lead to long-term health problems.

• Urban Aesthetics and Community Disruption
  Elevated roads and extensive transportation infrastructure can harm urban aesthetics and physically divide communities. The impacts on local communities can be significant.

Decline of Public Transportation Services**

Urban transportation issues also severely impact public transportation providers.

• Reduced Operating Speeds
  Congestion on roads has led to reduced operating speeds for buses and trams. This situation compromises the efficiency and attractiveness of public transportation.

• Irregular Operations
  Delays caused by traffic congestion and accidents disrupt the schedules of public transportation. This gradually erodes users' trust in the system.

• Decrease in Ridership and Revenue
  Due to the proliferation of private vehicles and transportation inconveniences, the ridership of public transportation has decreased. As a result, fare revenue declines, posing a risk of further deterioration in service quality.

• Social Impact
  The decline of public transportation providers particularly affects individuals who cannot easily own private vehicles, such as the elderly and low-income populations.