Transportation

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Well let me start off by saying I live in London. One of the best things about London is their public transportation. I take the tube (The Underground) almost everyday and the bus around 1 - 2 times a week. I think the transportation is fantastic and it faster to take the tube anywhere in London that it is to drive. I think the availability of public transportation can really aid people of lower socioeconomic status and helps bring some equality to the city. However, the air quality in London is terrible. In 2017, it was found that 7.9 million Londoners (around 95% of the population) live in areas that exceed the limit by more than 50%. This can be attributed to many factors but one of the big ones is transportation. There is simply and enormous amount of cars and buses driving around on a daily basis. I think about my health in the air frequently, especially when I can going on a run to Hyde park and I get a face-full of emissions/smoke from a bus. I also have never had allergies in my life before moving here and now I frequently need to take allergy medication. My GP said that is probably related to the amount of pollution here in London. London is a great city and it is shame that it is riddled with pollution. 


 

Comments

  1. Jordan DemosSeptember 14, 2018 at 9:47 AM

    Caitlin,

    The tube in London is awesome. It makes it easy for everyone to get around in the city. I’ve been on the tube and can tell you that it is super-efficient, and better than NYC and SF by miles. Where do you think all the pollution is coming from? Vehicle emissions? Do a lot of people still drive within London?

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownSeptember 16, 2018 at 9:33 PM

    Hi Caitlin,

    That is interesting that the air pollution is so high. I think having public transit options like the tube is great, and I guess the levels would be even higher without it. Maybe if we could see it, it would make it more tangible like in Beijing. Although their levels must be extremely unhealthy.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousSeptember 17, 2018 at 9:44 AM

    Tube in London reminds me to subway in New York. I went to NY few times last year and each time I am amazed at the availability and accessibility of their public transportation. Almost every neighborhood has a subway line that run by their house. In some ways, the noise is bit disturbing but I mean not having to worry about traffic and gas price - boy I will take that over anything everyday.

    When I think about London, I think about pollution. I wonder if some of it is just result of residue of pollution during industry era...

    ReplyDelete

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