export_ofoct.com - 2020-04-27T191937.646

[00:00.37] Todd: So, Shifani, you are an expert in urban planning, and more specifically, in transport. What do you envision in the future, let's say, in fifty years from now?

[00:09.38] Shifani: Fifty years from now is quite a long time to project, but future cities would be green cities, cities that are able to sustain themselves.

[00:20.37] They can produce their own energy. They've got transport mode choices, so people can choose whether they want to walk or cycle or bus.

[00:28.38] A city that has a very well connected public transport system.

[00:33.87] So, if you want to get from A to B, you have three main choices - public transport, walking, cycling - each equally good.

[00:42.38] Todd: So basically, you see a future of increased urbanization.

[00:45.12] Shifani: Increased urbanization, yes, because people are moving to the cities.

[00:50.38] That's what the figures say. It's what's happening. It's the current trend. And if this continues, the cities need to become more robust.

[00:58.37] They need to become more resilient. I know these are big words, but what I mean by that is that cities that are able to change with the times.

[01:06.37] If people are going to become more mobile, then we need a city with good transport system.

[01:09.87] But in the future, there's a possibility that people won't be traveling so much, simply because the internet is taking over.

[01:17.87] Our social space is being invaded by the internet. And so, if people aren't going out so much, we'd want cities with comfortable housings, comfortable buildings, heating, cooling - nicer places to be.

[01:31.37] Todd: So, in the future, if there are more cities or more densely populated cities, do you see any changes in public transportation?

[01:39.88] Shifani: Well, the theory states that the more density you have, the more feasible public transport becomes. That's absolutely true.

[01:47.38] So, in saying that cities are going to become more densely populated and urbanized, public transport definitely has a future.

[01:55.12] I mean, if you think of a city like Beijing, for example, public transport is available.

[01:59.12] People travel by it. Why? Because it's available. It has to be available, because there's such a vast number of people.

[02:08.62] But if you think about a city like Auckland, where I'm from, our public transport system is not very good, because we're not densely populated, and it doesn't make sense to put a bus where there aren't people.

[02:19.62] But then, the counter-argument is, if you put a bus, people would take it.

[02:22.62] So, it's the 'chicken and egg.' What comes first? Do you put a bus on a route where there aren't people or where the people aren't taking the bus? Or do you do it the other way around?

[02:31.37] Todd: Hm, interesting. And of the types of public transport - buses and mainly rail or subways - which do you see will have a greater impact in the future?

[02:43.62] Shifani: I think it all depends on where you are, but trains will definitely be the way of the future.

[02:49.62] Trains and buses combined, I think because people like traveling long distances in the shortest amount of time possible. Trains are your solution for that.

[03:02.12] But for shorter journeys, obviously, connecting different train stations or connecting homes to the train stations, you are going to need buses.

[03:09.13] One can't really function without the other.

[03:10.88] Todd: So, maybe one of your biggest challenges is going to be getting people to give up their 'love affair' with cars?

[03:18.12] Shifani: Oh, that's always difficult. Trying to tell a car enthusiast that he should not drive his car ever again will become their worst nightmare.

[03:27.63] It's not something that's easily achievable. I myself am guilty of that. I used to have a Turbo Nissan Sylvia when I was growing up, in my teenage years.

[03:37.88] And if someone told me not to drive my car, I think I would be very mad. So yes, it's quite a barrier that I have to go through.

[03:44.63] Todd: Well, good luck.

[03:46.62] Shifani: Thank you. I'm going to need it.