Public Transport: A Green Solution To Pollution?

Transportation is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with cars being the largest contributors among transport modes. Public transportation, including buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail, trolleys, and ferries, can play a crucial role in reducing emissions and pollution. When compared to private vehicles, public transportation produces 95% less carbon monoxide, 92% fewer volatile organic compounds, and 45% less carbon dioxide per passenger mile. Additionally, public transportation saves the US the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually and reduces congestion on roads. The use of public transportation instead of private vehicles can lead to a significant reduction in an individual's carbon footprint, contributing to better air quality and a positive impact on the environment and climate change mitigation.

Public transport reduces carbon emissions by 92-95%

Public transportation is one of the most cost-effective solutions to address climate change and development challenges. According to the World Resources Institute, the public transport sector has a crucial role in reducing emissions and preventing the worst outcomes of global warming.

Buses and trains can significantly reduce carbon emissions per passenger per kilometer compared to private vehicles. Specifically, public transport can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to two-thirds per passenger, per kilometer. This equates to a savings of 30% of carbon dioxide emissions for an individual who switches from a car to public transportation. For example, a person who switches from a 20-mile solo commute by car to public transportation can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by 20 pounds per day, or more than 48,000 pounds in a year. This is a substantial reduction in carbon footprint and contributes to the overall goal of lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, public transportation saves the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually in the United States, demonstrating its positive environmental impact. The use of public transportation also reduces the need for building more roads, which contributes to ground and water pollution. Furthermore, the electrification of public transport fleets, such as buses, is crucial. Electric buses emit less than half as much carbon as gas-powered private cars per passenger-kilometer traveled.

The latest climate action report from the UN emphasizes the importance of shifting more trips to public transit to combat climate change effectively. This shift brings additional societal benefits, such as lower traffic fatality rates, improved public health, and broader access to jobs, education, and urban services. Therefore, investing in public transportation infrastructure and increasing its usage are essential steps towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Less congestion, fewer accidents, less noise pollution

Using public transportation has a significant impact on reducing pollution. One person switching from a 20-mile solo commute by car to public transportation can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by over 48,000 pounds per year. This is equivalent to a 10% reduction in greenhouse gases produced by a typical two-adult, two-car household.

Public transportation also helps reduce congestion, leading to fewer accidents and less noise pollution. In 2011, public transportation in the US saved 865 million hours of travel time. Without it, congestion costs in 2011 would have increased by nearly $21 billion from $121 billion to $142 billion in 498 urban areas.

Fewer cars on the road mean less traffic congestion and a reduced risk of accidents. According to Injury Facts, travel by personal light-duty vehicles presents the greatest risk of injury-related deaths, while air, rail, and bus travel have much lower death rates.

Noise pollution is another serious issue caused by transport, affecting the health of many Europeans. The European Environment Agency (EEA) has recognized that noise from transport has serious effects and can even trigger serious diseases. Public transportation helps reduce noise pollution by taking cars off the road and reducing the overall noise levels in urban areas.

Electric buses emit less carbon than gas-powered cars

Public transportation is one of the best solutions to address today's climate challenges. It has been proven to reduce congestion and save energy. Using public transportation instead of driving can result in a 30% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Electric buses are a much cleaner option than diesel or fossil fuel-powered buses, which cause significant emissions and air pollution. Electric buses emit less carbon than gas-powered cars. In fact, electric buses produce less than half the emissions of a diesel or natural gas bus. A study by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that electric buses charged by electricity are responsible for fewer carbon emissions than conventional diesel buses in any part of the US electrical grid.

The cleanliness of electric buses will continue to improve as the grid decarbonizes through coal plant retirements and the addition of renewable energy sources. Electric buses are also more cost-effective on a lifecycle basis.

In addition to the benefits of electric buses, the public transport sector as a whole can contribute to the expansion of renewable energy. As the world seeks to triple renewable energy by 2030, public transport can support this goal by committing to long-term purchases of clean energy through Power Purchase Agreements.

By transitioning to electric buses and supporting renewable energy, the public transport sector can play a key role in addressing climate change and reducing emissions.

Public transport is cost-effective and improves health

Public transportation is one of the most cost-effective solutions to address today's climate and development challenges. It is also a great way to improve one's health. Firstly, public transportation reduces greenhouse gas emissions by a significant amount. For example, a person who switches from a 20-mile solo commute by car to public transportation can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by more than 48,000 pounds in a year. This is equivalent to a 10% reduction in greenhouse gases produced by a typical two-adult, two-car household.

Public transportation also saves money for individuals. In the US, the bulk of an average household's transportation expenses (93%) goes toward buying, maintaining, and operating cars. In contrast, public transportation is much cheaper, with local bus fares as low as $2.50 for a day pass in some cities. Public transportation also saves time spent in traffic congestion, which has been estimated to save 865 million hours in travel time in 2011 in the US. This time saved can be used for other productive tasks or even leisure activities.

In addition to the cost savings and environmental benefits, public transportation can also improve health outcomes. Studies have shown that transit use is associated with increased levels of physical activity, which can help individuals avoid heart disease, diabetes, and other negative health outcomes associated with a sedentary lifestyle. This increase in physical activity can also lead to reduced healthcare costs for individuals, governments, and employers, as well as improved productivity due to healthier workers.

Furthermore, public transportation promotes social equity by providing accessible transportation options for marginalized communities, ensuring equal opportunities for individuals to access education, employment, and other essential services. It is also much safer than traveling by car, with public transportation being 10 times safer per mile, according to the American Public Transportation Association.

Overall, public transportation is a cost-effective solution that offers environmental and health benefits, promotes social equity, and improves accessibility and safety for individuals and communities.

Less driving means fewer roads and less water pollution

The use of public transportation has a significant impact on reducing pollution. Firstly, it is important to understand that transportation is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By switching from a solo commute by car to public transportation, an individual can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. This not only results in a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions but also contributes to a decrease in the number of cars on the road, leading to less congestion and improved air quality.

One of the often-overlooked benefits of public transportation is its positive impact on water pollution. When fewer people drive cars and opt for public transportation instead, there is a reduced need for road infrastructure expansion. Building fewer roads means minimizing the amount of water runoff that contributes to ground and water pollution. This is an important aspect of sustainable development, as it helps protect aquatic ecosystems and ensures cleaner water sources for communities.

The environmental benefits of public transportation extend beyond just reducing air and water pollution. It also contributes to a decrease in noise pollution, making neighbourhoods quieter and more peaceful. Additionally, public transportation plays a crucial role in equitable development, providing access to jobs, education, and urban services for low-income individuals and communities of colour, who are often the most affected by transportation-related air pollution.

Furthermore, public transportation helps in conserving energy and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. The shift towards electric buses and renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, further enhances the environmental benefits of public transportation. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure and electrifying bus fleets, we can significantly reduce emissions and mitigate the impacts of global warming.

However, it is important to acknowledge that public transportation usage has been predominantly by people of colour, foreign-born Americans, and low-income individuals. Despite this, the shares of these groups in transit-friendly neighbourhoods have been declining in recent years. Therefore, it is crucial that the design and implementation of public transportation policies involve these communities to ensure equitable access and mitigate the disproportionate impact of transportation-related air pollution on vulnerable populations.

Frequently asked questions