Evaluation of the Urban Transport System According to the Principles of the Active City: Kufa City as a Case Study

Urban transformations resulting from technological and economic changes have contributed to the emergence of a pattern of urban dispersion. Rapid transportation based on private cars, along with investment in road networks and the decline in land values on the outskirts of cities, have helped to create the phenomenon of urban sprawl and expansion. This has led to the absence of connectivity between city areas and the separation of residential, industrial, office, retail, and recreational areas. In contrast, concerns have escalated about traffic congestion in cities, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and increased energy consumption allocated to transportation, which has enhanced interest in active mobility patterns as a sustainable solution. Therefore, the problem of our research is that the urban transportation planning process in the city of Kufa is characterized by randomness and lack of sustainability principles, with neglect of the vital role of urban transportation and its effects on the health and psychological state of the city's residents and its association with economic aspects. The research assumed that following the principles of the active city and applying them in the city's urban transportation plans contributes to improving the quality of life for residents and addressing the problems associated with urban transportation in the city of Kufa. The research aims to evaluate the current urban transportation system according to the principles of the active city. The study concluded that the horizontal extension of the city of Kufa, the abundance of infrastructure for private vehicles, and long travel distances led to a reduction in reliance on active transportation. The design of residential neighborhoods in the city of Kufa encourages horizontal extension. It lacks a strategy of urban compactness or compaction, which forced the residents of the city of Kufa to rely primarily on private motorized transportation in the process of transportation, and with a direct relationship that increased environmental impacts and run-over accidents. The absence of encouragement and education, along with social customs, made active transportation in the city of Kufa socially unpopular. Therefore, the planning of residential neighborhoods must be reconsidered, better communication must be provided, and infrastructure for walking and cycling must be provided according to the guidelines of sustainable urban planning. The wider spread of economic activities throughout the city may increase active travel and reduce the use of private motorized vehicles.