Urban Transport Systems & CBD Accessibility

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on CBD-focused transport systems, node placement, and the characteristics of effective urban transport infrastructure.

What does CBD stand for, and which Singapore example was cited?

CBD stands for Central Business District; the Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) is an example.

Name the three broad modes of transport discussed for supporting people’s needs.

1) Train & bus (fixed-route, fixed-schedule) 2) Customised point-to-point transport (e.g., taxi) 3) Cycling (alternative mode).

How are trains and buses classified in terms of routing?

They are fixed-route, fixed-schedule forms of public transport.

Give an example of customised point-to-point transport mentioned in the lecture.

Taxis (and similar ride-hailing services).

Why are transport nodes often located near banks, retail, leisure, and other commercial activities?

Because these locations generate high activity levels, placing nodes nearby maximises accessibility for large numbers of people.

List five key characteristics of a good transport system highlighted in the notes.

1) Good coverage 2) High capacity 3) High frequency of service 4) Convenience (short travel/transfer times) 5) Environmental sustainability (low carbon footprint).

In transport infrastructure, what is meant by ‘good coverage’?

Having a network of routes and nodes with few or no gaps, so most areas are served.

Why is ‘capacity’ crucial for transport infrastructure?

High capacity enables the system to carry many passengers, preventing overcrowding and maintaining efficiency during peak demand.

Define ‘frequency of service’ in a public transport context.

How often a service (e.g., bus or train) runs on a given route, influencing waiting times for passengers.

What does ‘convenience’ refer to in evaluating a transport system?

The ease and speed with which passengers can reach their destinations, including transfer times and overall travel time.

Explain why environmental sustainability is a desired trait in transport systems.

Environmentally sustainable systems minimise carbon emissions and other pollutants, reducing their ecological footprint.

Differentiate between terminal nodes and interchange nodes.

Terminal nodes are end-points where passengers board or alight for a final destination; interchange nodes are transfer points where passengers switch between routes or modes (e.g., bus ↔ MRT).

What is ‘accessibility’ in the context of transportation?

The ease with which people can reach desired destinations or activities within a given time frame.

Why does the central area of a city hold great significance for transport planning?

It concentrates major banks, offices, retail and leisure facilities, offering commercial services and employment, thus requiring high accessibility and numerous transport nodes.

How does a dense network of transport routes and nodes benefit commuters?

It provides multiple connected options, reducing travel times and increasing flexibility even when individual routes or nodes face disruptions.