Planning amidst Planetary Crisis: Rethinking Theory and Practice through Adaptive Transformations in Public Transport

Abstract

This paper examines how public transport planning can respond more effectively to planetary climate and resource crises through adaptive planning approaches that address uncertainty and rapidly changing mobility patterns. The study argues that conventional planning models are insufficient for managing dynamic travel demand and complex urban conditions, resulting in delays in transport supply adjustments. It develops an adaptive evaluation framework that integrates spatial and social indicators while incorporating interactions between different mobility modes and methods for responding to uncertainty. Drawing on analyses of bus supply–demand relationships in representative cities in China and Europe, the research identifies structural causes of transport imbalances and proposes adaptive response pathways based on multi-level governance, data-driven decision-making, flexible resource allocation, and emergency response mechanisms. The proposed framework offers practical guidance for strengthening the resilience, sustainability, and adaptability of public transport systems in the face of ongoing environmental and mobility crises.