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Ships are more fuel efficient in transporting large mass anyway. shipping is the most energy-efficient form of freight transportation. Replace all roads with river ways!! All trucks with cargo ships... and some Yachts for public transport.
I unironically think we should have more canals and barges in cities, at least those with the topography and hydrology for it. Dense urbanism centered around the canals, the barges could transport cargo instead of trucks, and the water would combat the urban heat island effect. Bonus points if there are overhead wires (like for trams and trolleybuses) for powering the canal barges.
The Venetian solution!
The critical problem is controlling water levels. These naturally fluctuate daily/seasonally/yearly. I would guess this will only get worse.
On a pedestrian level, canals have the same issues as roads in forcing chokepoints, it might even be worse.
Colder climates need to worry about de-icing or freezing protocols.
On an emotional level, I miss my kayak and skating commutes from when I could take a canal.
Are there any real world examples of trolley canal barges, thought electric wires and water do not mix well? But yeah there are some ship based public transport networks, which I think should be explored more seriously. In India there are some water Metro networks like Kochi...
There is historical precedent!
https://www.lowtechmagazine.com/2009/12/trolley-canal-boats.html
And while we're at it, we can make all the sidewalks water slides. That would rule.