A more efficient spatial planning approach towards transport networks determined by the urban structure

Abstract

The spatial planning and implementation of transportation systems have been restricted to limited transportation planning (Chapter 4) infrastructure under various urban spatial structures (Chapter 3). This study is the first in South Africa to address transportation systems and implementation within an urban structure, to improve efficiency and connectivity. Limitations on TP have affected numerous components of the urban SS due to the limited modal options and planning thereof. Transportation modes aim to increase efficiency and move towards sustainable cities. However, public transportation has been disregarded as a significant factor in cities, leading to motor vehicle-dominated cities; opposingly, transportation infrastructure has been largely planned under a single urban SS, which can prove problematic. This causes congestion, inefficiency, decreased productivity, increased travel costs, increased travel time, decreased economic growth, numerous safety hazards, lack of sustainable transportation and environmental damage. The problem is evident in the lack of transportation systems being implemented according to the urban SS and the resultant co-dependency on TP. This creates mass inefficiency, which is highly problematic for the urban SS. The spatial implementation of transportation infrastructure is significant for mobility between the central business district (CBD) (places of employment) and residential areas. This is visible in the study area, as South African cities lack effective spatial planning for transportation systems and neglect aspects of the urban SSs. South Africa, as a developing country, is focused on spatial planning of road infrastructure, while lacking pedestrian walkways in various areas of development. Numerous cities within the country are planned according to the same TP perspective but have different urban SSs. South Africa not only lacks TP according to the varying urban SSs but does not include public transportation services in most instances and has resorted to using motor vehicles as the last option to achieve mobility in most cities. This has become problematic since the urban SS lacks appropriate infrastructure and TP which uniquely correlates to each urban SS. Each urban SS has different attributes; thus, one cannot be utilised across the board in all other urban SSs. This study aimed to identify guidelines for several identified urban SSs that could be spatially and practically implemented in the urban structure. The literature research aimed to identify various urban and spatial models that have been used worldwide and, more specifically, in South Africa. Transportation models were assessed to combine both the urban structure and TP. The principles of each SS and the aims and objectives of the design, thus creating a foundation for the various transport models to be incorporated within the urban structure; this involved different principles for implementation. The study's objectives were all addressed. The empirical research approach was based on a comparative analysis of the implementation of transportation systems within the urban SS of developed countries (as best-practice case studies) and the principles for successful implementation. The comparison between the transport implementation was determined through a comprehensive empirical review of international countries versus cities within South Africa. The comparative analysis approach attempted to identify various spatial implementations, tools, policies, land use and political aspects successfully implemented in a sustainable city. This created various guidelines for TP within each unique urban SS. The study addressed all research components to efficiently implement transportation systems within various urban structures and provided a series of guidelines. The recommendations included efficient implementation strategies and components towards the various urban structures and different transportation systems addressed within the study. The recommendations consisted of an urban model with a theoretical implementation (Cullinan Urban Model, or 'CUrM') of all the components of transportation networks implemented within the study. The comprehensive urban model illustrated an understanding towards improving and implementing transportation networks within an urban structure through the research illustrated. The theoretical implementation of the urban model derived various guidelines towards TP and SS planning. In conclusion, a more efficient spatial planning approach towards transport networks could be determined by the urban structure. The guidelines contributed in this study illustrated possible future planning approaches and methods of implementation. The CUrM is, therefore, considered a theoretical urban model based on the developed guidelines and can be used as a template for future TP approaches to improve transportation efficiency.