We have blogged before about urban centres in developed countries outgrowing the automobile. Well, Dublin seems to be the next city on the list. Their ambitious plan to convert downtown streets into car-free plazas and passages for buses, bikes, pedestrians, and a new tram line will address the city’s status as the 10th most congested city in the world.
“Dublin is already spending about $420 million on a new network of tram lines throughout the city, and plans to spend another $170 million to pedestrianize the downtown streets.” The full plan needs to go through public consultation before it is adopted, but city staff expect this to happen without a problem. Ciarán Cuffe, chair of the city council's transport committee says, "Dubliners are very receptive to this. The true test of a civilized city is whether you can let go your child's hand and allow them to explore the city by themselves. That is our ultimate goal."