PRACTICAL WAYS TO DEVELOP TRAM AND PEDESTRIAN ZONES IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE CITY OF KYIV

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of urban planning features of the formation and improvement of tram and pedestrian zones in historic cities of Ukraine. The main focus is on the possibility of restoring the tram network in the central part of Kyiv and integrating the Central Railway Station into the modern urban public transport system. The paper examines the reasons for the decline of tram traffic in Kyiv, related to the priority given to motor transport, transformations in the street and road network, and insufficient consideration of sustainable development needs. The experience of European cities, in particular Strasbourg, Istanbul, and Lviv, in introducing tram-pedestrian streets within historic centers is analyzed. The potential of combining tram traffic with pedestrian spaces as a tool for improving transport efficiency, accessibility, and preservation of the historic environment is identified. The purpose of the study is to justify practical approaches to the formation of tram and pedestrian zones in the central part of Kyiv based on the restoration of tram service. Research methods include spatial planning analysis, analysis of urban planning documentation, comparative study of foreign experience, and assessment of the functional and planning structure of the central part of Kyiv. The results of the study indicate the feasibility of using trams as an environmentally friendly, low-noise, and comfortable form of urban transport capable of providing direct access to historic areas of the city. It has been established that the integration of trams into pedestrian areas increases the accessibility of the urban environment for people with reduced mobility, contributes to reducing car traffic and improving the quality of public spaces. Conceptual approaches to the formation of tram-pedestrian zones on key city streets are proposed. Conclusions. The integration of tram transport into pedestrian areas of historic cities is considered an effective tool for developing sustainable urban transport, improving the quality of the urban environment, and preserving the cultural and historical identity of central areas. The results obtained can be used in the development of urban planning solutions for the modernization of the transport system in Kyiv and other historic cities of Ukraine.