Tokyo’s transport system worlds apart from Nairobi’s
The smooth flow of vehicle traffic in Japan’s capital Tokyo is incredible, considering how big the city is.
With a population of about 12 million, almost twice that of Nairobi, one would image that Tokyo would struggle to contain the movement of vehicles.
But alas! Both the vehicle and human traffic move smoothly, thanks to a large extent to the city planning, technology and law abiding road users.
In Tokyo, motorists follow the Highway Code to the letter, especially the traffic lights.
NO ROUNDABOUTS
Everybody has his turn on the road, including pedestrians and cyclists, with their areas of use clearly demarcated.
The roads here are much bigger than those in Nairobi with an elaborate design of the roads ensures vehicles inter cross through meeting points in a smooth and systematic manner.
There are no roundabouts in Tokyo. Neither are there drainage problems. There is also an efficient public transport system both on land and underground.
The by passes and several flyovers also makes movement easier, and justify why perhaps Tokyo should offer the perfect case study of what needs to improved in Nairobi’s transport system.