Beyond Car-Dominance: Developing Context-Sensitive Scenarios for a Sustainable and Equitable Mobility in Ramallah/Al-Bireh

Abstract

In recent decades, the term “sustainable mobility” has become increasingly prevalent. Rapid urbanization and the rising demand for private vehicles have made mobility problems worse in densely populated areas of cities, especially in areas marked by fragmented administration, lack of space and lack of efficient transport infrastructure. Ramallah/Al-Bireh Governorate in Palestine is one of the best examples of rampant and uneven urbanization. As a developing urban centre, it is facing challenges of structural and re-spatial transportation, particularly on the "Central Business District" around Al-Manara Square. This vital center with its economic, cultural, political, and transportation importance is visited by many commuters every day. The excessive dependence on car increases the traffic jams, danger to pedestrians, the degradation of environment, the problem of accessibility and the decline in the quality of life in cities. Despite the lack of the opportunities to practice sustainable mobility, this research examines the possibility of improving the mobility and solving the obstacles of sustainable urban mobility by studying the current situation in the Ramallah/Al-Bireh Central Business District. This is done on the basis of a multidimensional framework. Instead of only considering the challenge of tackling the infrastructure, this study takes a holistic view of mobility in which the dimensions of environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, social equity, accessibility, and institutional capacity are integrated. In this context, mobility means safe, practical and environmentally responsible transport options that support walking, cycling, public transport while minimizing the need for private vehicles and the problems associated with them such as emissions, pollution, noise, congestion, etc. The aim of the study is to bridge the gap between quantitative measurement and both decision-making and spatial assessment by combining spatial assessment, quantitative survey data, and qualitative information from institutional stakeholders. This combines the patterns of behavior, public perceptions, policy limits and spatial circumstances. The research identifies the areas of shortcomings of the current public transport, and suggests realistic and contextual solutions. Based on the analysis, sustainable mobility scenarios were formulated and assessed by considering aspects of sustainability such as social, economic, environmental, spatial, mobility and institutional impacts, to support the implementation and decision-making. The study also identifies the potential phases of implementation to ensure successful implementation of the proposed mobility strategies.