Page 40 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 30
P. 40

The Environment


                                                                                          enhance emotional

                                                                                          experiences     and
                                                                                          cognitive   health.
                                                                                          Transportation

                                                                                          psychology
                                                                                          examines        the
                                                                                          behaviors,
                                                                                          attitudes,
                                                                                          perceptions,

                                                                                          and      emotional
                                                                                          responses        of
                                                                                          individuals

                                                                                          using      different
                                                                                          tra nsportat ion
                                                                                          modes.
               With that in mind, let’s take a look some
               insights and observations made from the roll-    This   interdisciplinary   field   draws   on

               out electric buses in Nairobi’s central business   environmental psychology, social psychology,
               district:                                        urban planning, and engineering to design
               •  Serenity Amidst Chaos: The e buses stand      transportation systems that  are not only

                   out as a haven of tranquility in a city      efficient and sustainable but also enhance the
                   otherwise dominated by the cacophony of      well-being of individuals and communities.
                   diesel engines.                              As such and with the roll-out of EVs, technology
               •  Whispering  Passengers:  Unlike the noisy     can be integrated into public transport and
                   diesel buses, the electric bus encourages    thereby revolutionize the commuter experience

                   quiet conversations among passengers         as showcased by the insights mentioned above.
                   reducing  strain  on voices occasioned  by   The punctual and stress-free nature of these
                   shout and the strain of struggling to hear   rides enables better time management and

                   one speak to surrounding noise.              routine planning, reducing the stress typically
               •  Relaxed Faces and An Oasis of Calmness:       associated with commuting in fossil fuel
                   Commuters appear peaceful and relaxed,       powered buses.
                   a  stark  contrast  to  the  usual  stress-laden
                   expressions  seen in the city. The  electric   Broader Implications for Urban Planning

                   bus truly serves as an oasis of calm,        The benefits of electric buses extend beyond
                   providing a respite from the urban din.      individual well-being to broader urban and
                                                                economic  impacts.  Efficient  and  comfortable

               The Psychology of Transportation                 public transportation alleviates the stress
               Sustainable transportation illustrates how the   of daily commutes, potentially boosting
               psychology of transportation can significantly   overall productivity.  Additionally, quiet and



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