Infrastructure & Cities

What would you do?

Iain Scott

Senior Strategic Analyst, Global Life Sciences Centre

Iain Scott is a lead analyst at Ernst & Young's Global Life Sciences Center, where he manages thought leadership programmes and conducts research across the sector.

We asked respondents to our survey to outline one specific scheme they would implement to improve quality of life in their city, if they were in charge. Of the many hundreds of responses, at least two-thirds named a transport-related initiative, but almost every aspect of city liveability was considered. Here is a selection.

"In my city, the time one spends to commute is crazy—one could easily land up spending 2-4 hours every day, to and fro, to work. Improving the public transport system and getting more civil sense into the local citizen will eventually take the pressure off the environmental pollution and will in turn improve the quality of life."

"Reduce red tape—there is far too much administration, which has led to a high tax burden and low tax morale throughout the Brussels region."

"Organised space management in the city, with a long-term focus on planned layout and better infrastructure—with an equal emphasis on conservation of green spaces and better management of natural resources."

"An annual &;embrace foreign culture&; event."

"Global WiFi everywhere."

"Encourage investment in alternative energy."

"Incentives for successful entrepreneurs to reinvest in their communities."

"I&;d cut out the focus on things like professional sports and light rail lines and work instead on the road systems, lowering taxes and reducing immigrant influx."

"Make the tax code more favourable to businesses."

"Change the tax structure to push people out of their cars and into public transport."

"Provide affordable housing."

"Pedestrianise more areas of central London."

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