The Potential of Tram Networks in the Revitalization of the Warsaw Landscape

Abstract

The current crisis of worldwide agglomeration and economic, spatial, and ownership factors, among others, mean that there is usually a shortage of new green areas, which are socially very beneficial. Therefore, various brownfields or degraded lands along public transport routes, e.g., tram lanes, are effectively transformed for this purpose. The significant potential of tram systems is that they can became a backbone of green corridors across the city. This case study of the Warsaw tram system (total length over 300 km of single tracks in service in 2019) enables us to simulate the potential growth of a biologically active area connected with an increasing share of greenery around tram lanes in Warsaw. Experience allows the authors to present the types of greenery systems based on existing and future tram corridors best suited for this city. The suggested usage of tram lanes as green corridors is in line with the generally-accepted concept of urban green infrastructure. Therefore, the aim of the authors is to present in a condensed fashion their views on a very important issue within the program of the revitalization of the Warsaw landscape by converting where possible the existing tram lines, as well as planning new ones according to the “green point of view”.

Smart Cities Landscape and Urban Planning for Sustainability in Brno City

“…In the same process, greeneries also provide clean air for the urban population and animals [22,51,52]. Therefore, the ecological and environmental development roles of integrating greenery systems in the transport, and built areas is of paramount functions [22,26,58,59,[62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73]. We can ably argue that the urban dwellers also enjoy psychological benefits from interacting with urban nature [74][75][76].…”

“…Rational protection of cities' existing natural resources and planned, constant development are of key importance here. Maintaining mature trees, introducing various forms of urban greenery, and increasing the biologically active area (especially in the center zone) are the basic conditions for achieving a clean and healthy city [25,26].…”

Urban Ecosystem Services: Current Knowledge, Gaps, and Future Research

“…Greening tram lanes in cities appear to be an important strategy for the development of green corridors as well as enhancing UES [16]. Łukaszkiewicz et al [16] demonstrated how to revitalize the Warsaw cityscape by converting existing tram lines where viable and developing new ones from a "green perspective."…”

“…Greening tram lanes in cities appear to be an important strategy for the development of green corridors as well as enhancing UES [16]. Łukaszkiewicz et al [16] demonstrated how to revitalize the Warsaw cityscape by converting existing tram lines where viable and developing new ones from a "green perspective." Green tram lanes reduce the noise level during tram operation, improve the aesthetic experience of city streets, and, when skillfullyapplied, allow the sound level from traffic to be reduced by 10.0 to 15.0 dB [16].…”

“…Łukaszkiewicz et al [16] demonstrated how to revitalize the Warsaw cityscape by converting existing tram lines where viable and developing new ones from a "green perspective." Green tram lanes reduce the noise level during tram operation, improve the aesthetic experience of city streets, and, when skillfullyapplied, allow the sound level from traffic to be reduced by 10.0 to 15.0 dB [16]. Their research exemplifies future UES-based thinking and moves the bar on how infrastructure, design, and planning come together in a 21st century city.…”