 |  | This summer, I traveled across Italy with my family and couldn't help observing its unique transportation infrastructure through a professional lens. The journey from Pompeii to Venice and Palermo offered valuable insights into how different factors shape transportation systems. In Pompeii, the ancient Romans showcased their ingenuity with multipurpose crosswalks. Stones jutting out from the road served both pedestrians and chariots. These elevated pathways ensured usability during floods, demonstrating resilient and multifunctional infrastructure. Venice's water-based transportation system that seamlessly integrates with buses, bike-sharing, and on-demand shuttles is impressive. Traveling by boat to Marco Polo Airport is a bucket list item for transportation enthusiasts. Within old town, pedestrians rule in the car-free and bike-free sustainable urban environment. Venice exemplifies how multimodal systems enhance mobility and accessibility. Palermo's transportation is a mix of modes sharing limited space. From pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages to motorbikes and coach buses, the city's narrow streets are bustling. Palermo reflects the challenges of implementing organized systems in densely populated areas while making an effort to promote sustainable transportation. Italy’s transportation systems offer lessons in designing adaptable, resilient, and multimodal infrastructure. Whether it’s Pompeii’s ancient crosswalks, Venice’s integrated hub, or Palermo’s busy streets, each provides unique insights for transportation professionals dedicated to improving mobility.
Sincerely,
Robyn Chiarelli
Executive Director
Greater Fort Lauderdale Transportation Management Association
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