Deep Thinking Initiative
Alternative thinking about transport for a different future
TAPAS is pleased to host the contributions in LTT magazine’s new initiative for 2025, exploring new ways of looking at transport in its widest possible context.
We want to promote discussion about how transport should sit in the wider scheme of things as society continues on a path of rapid technological, cultural and social change.
We believe new thinking, concepts and paradigms are needed to test a much wider set of future scenarios about how transport fits into the total agenda for human life on our planet – and what expectations are realistic, feasible and sustainable.
We hope you will enjoy reading the contributions below and are keen to publish further new ‘deep thinking’ on this agenda – and have an open discussion arising from them. This will culminate with an event in the summer where participants can take part in a major ideas exchange.
Please register on TAPAS and get in touch if you would like to contribute to this project!
The Deep Thinking Initiative Articles
We continue with another contribution to LTT magazine's and TAPAS discussion about how transport should sit in the wider scheme of things as society continues on a path of rapid technological, cultural and social change. We believe new thinking, concepts and paradigms are needed to test a much wider set of future scenarios about how transport fits into the total agenda for human life on our planet – and what expectations are realistic, feasible and sustainable.
We are keen to publish further new ‘deep thinking’ on this agenda – and have an open discussion arising from it. Culminating with an event in the summer where participants can take part in a major ideas exchange. If you think you already know all the questions, and all the answers, feel free to remain in the echo chamber as this might just not be the right forum for you.
We have already had reflections from Duncan Irons on shortcomings in the current professional mindset about transport planning (see Duncan’s article), from Glenn Lyons concerned that unwelcome forces are blocking the way to a more sustainable transport future (see Glenn’s article), and by Kris Beuret and Terence Bendixson highlighting what they believe is damaging neglect of a core part of our mobility mix (see Kris and Terrence’s article).
This time we hear from Nick Tyler who has been working to tap into the essence of human mobility needs.
Nick Tyler has been working to tap into the essence of human mobility needs.
Hypermobility, the damaging addiction of modern
OUR MODERN WORLD is just a couple of centuries old . The presence of mankind upon our planet around 300, 000 years . So can it be entirely logical to just add response after response in transport interventions on top of where ‘modern man’ has ended up in just 200 years of technological trial and error (and all the problems that has brought) , but ignore the basic character and needs of the people it is all supposedly for?
Kris Beuret and Terence Bendixson highlight what they believe is damaging neglect of a core part of our mobility mix.
Time to end walking’s role as transport’s Cinderella mode
IF WE ARE to genuinely think deeply about the future of transport, let’s start by properly recognising the mode that is used almost universally, is resource-light, carbon neutral, inexpensive, is the most space efficient mode, does not require significant major new infrastructure and is really good for the physical and mental health of the user. And that is walking.
Professor Glenn Lyons considers what he feels are unwelcome forces blocking the way to a more sustainable transport future, and how best professionals can respond to such frustrations.
Looking for the light in a dark age
THE FAREWELL SPEECH from President Joe Biden from the White House last week warned the United States (perhaps the world) that “an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms …. a dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a very few ultra-wealthy people”.
Duncan Irons from SYSTRA shares his own reflections on some shortcomings he believes are embedded in the current professional mindset about the role and expectations of transport planning.
Shouldn’t we be looking at Transport through a different lens?
JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS, I took part in LTT’s annual Local Transport Summit , this time held in Bedford. This 24-hour residential event is rather unique - it is conducted under ‘Chatham House Rules’ and brings together senior minds from across the transport world to convene and freely exchange insight. There is much to discuss – and the programme is highly enjoyable, but also intense- with a lot of immediate political issues to address. This year we reflected on the delivery of a potentially upcoming Integrated Transport Strategy ,and whether this requires a new approach to transport planning.
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