Addressing Traffic Congestion: A Comprehensive Solution Approach
ENTREPRENEUR WEEK 7 - BLOG
INTRODUCTION
By So Matthew Christian (TP075241) on May 4, 2024
Living
in the modern age brings many advantages to society, especially when things are
embedded with technology or automatons, and activities become very convenient.
However, humans are created with complicated emotions and problems; life
becomes more challenging as they age. Researchers and Specialists analyze our
complexities and delve deeper into our environment. Subsequently, humans can
also develop certain mindsets to face problems despite the difficulties. Thus,
several issues have been diverted, such as wicked problems that raise interest
in being studied.
PROBLEM DEFINITION - WICKED PROBLEM:
As a starter, “Wicked
Problem” does not have a proper definition to elaborate on, approaching the
definition of a complex problem that is nearly impossible to solve (Charles,
2014). Our team is very interested in the most common global situation that occurs almost daily: traffic congestion. Traffic Congestion could be
categorized as an ‘Environmental Wicked Problem’ since it influences many
elements within our world. The problem of traffic congestion is easily defined
as a scalable problem; our approach is proven since the problem is
interconnected with perpetuated issues, such as the increasing population of
humans, mobility, and time efficiency for human advantage. DHUTS (Dhaka Urban
Transport Network Development Study), a community that also takes part in
documenting the geographical factors by survey and interviews in Dhaka, the capital
city of Bangladesh, addresses aspects such as continuous car and taxi usage,
especially truck vehicles that have been busy for industrial reasons.
USER PERSONA:
By Adrico Corson Mulia (TP073788) on May 4, 2024
A user persona is a semi-fictional character
representing the user's goals, needs, frustration, and behaviors (GmbH, 2020).
Furthermore, user journey mapping allowed us to understand the user better and
identify opportunities to improve their journeys (Charles, 2014).
The user persona described in this case is someone
keen on addressing the complex issue of traffic congestion. They must have a
background or expertise in urban planning; this persona understands the
"wicked problems" concept and recognizes traffic congestion solutions
and challenges. The JICA report identifies several problems contributing to
Dhaka's traffic congestion. An inadequate public transport system with limited
reach and overcrowding might push people towards private vehicles. Population
growth and increasing car ownership could be outpacing road network
development. Additionally, a lack of integrated transport planning between
different modes and potentially scarce data on traffic patterns might hinder
efficient traffic flow and make it challenging to design effective solutions.
DHUTS's research and surveys have made them acutely aware of these traffic
congestion problems: limited access to transportation, lack of public
transportation, and high population.
The government has the power to significantly improve the situation. By making public transport more affordable and increasing the cost of owning a private car, we can encourage people to opt for public transportation. The JICA report recommends a multi-pronged approach to public transport: expanding the network to underserved areas and increasing capacity with larger vehicles. Moreover, infrastructure development would prioritize creating a transportation system with dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths, park-and-ride facilities, and optimal road improvements. These measures promise a more efficient and less congested Dhaka.
Example of User Persona in JICA Research and Survey.
STORYBOARD:
By Brandon Indradjaja (TP072931) on May 4, 2024
This storyboard describes the scenario, the traffic congestion, and the proposed solution by the Civil Engineer Alex Smith in the User Persona. The first picture shows that the road is filled with cars, which is the main issue. The second picture shows the situation when the road is introduced to pedestrian walks and bike lanes, which reduce traffic congestion (Civitar, 2020). The third picture shows where bus/public transportation will pass unpopular roads/rural areas so people will not have to buy private transportation to travel far.
SOLUTION:
In our proposed solution for the traffic congestion case study, we have meticulously examined and addressed the critical pain points identified through extensive research. These pain points include high car expenses and extended travel times caused by traffic congestion. We have also considered the challenges with public transportation convenience and reliability, ensuring a comprehensive approach. By implementing our solution, we aim to significantly reduce travel costs, decrease travel times, and improve public transportation's overall convenience and reliability, thereby not only alleviating the current issues but also paving the way for a more efficient and convenient transportation system, enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. Our recommended solution involves a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, we propose to make public transport more affordable and accessible, thereby encouraging its use and reducing the number of private vehicles on the road. Secondly, we suggest incentivizing sustainable transportation modes such as cycling and walking, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting a healthier lifestyle. Lastly, we advocate for integrating transport planning to improve overall traffic flow, ensuring a more efficient and sustainable transportation system. These measures, when implemented, will significantly reduce congestion, enhance mobility options, and promote eco-friendly transportation practices among residents. Other than that, this solution: Infrastructure Development: Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as making more road designs, traffic management systems, and intelligent transportation solutions, can enhance overall traffic flow and reduce congestion hotspots.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, there are many ways to solve this issue. Still, the money and time needed for this solution make it only realistic and almost impossible without the government and the citizens' cooperation.
REFERENCES:
GmbH, A. (2020b, January 15). User persona. airfocus. https://airfocus.com/glossary/what-is-a-user-persona/
Mitsubishi Research Institute. (2010, March). Jica報告書pdf版(jica report PDF). JICA報告書PDF版(JICA Report PDF). https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/
Civitas. (2020). Walking, Cycling And Congestion. Civitas.eu. https://civitas.eu/sites/deault/files/15_quick_facts_eng_final.pdf
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