Kiera Jefferson
Public transportation is an essential part of modern life, offering an affordable and convenient way to travel. However, it has also become a significant contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. While public transportation systems like buses and trains provide an efficient way to move large numbers of people, they often rely on diesel or gasoline fuels that produce harmful pollutants. In contrast, electric vehicles and other alternative fuel sources offer a cleaner alternative. The impact of public transportation on pollution varies depending on the region and the type of transit system in place. For example, in wealthy countries with a history of transit-oriented development, public transit use tends to be higher, resulting in relatively lower emissions from transportation. On the other hand, in countries where highway development has been prioritized, public transit use may be lower, leading to increased emissions. Ultimately, the balance between private cars and public transportation is crucial in reducing pollution and mitigating climate change.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide savings | 37 million metric tons annually in the U.S. |
| Gasoline savings | 4.2 billion gallons annually in the U.S. |
| Automobile fill-ups saved | 300,000 per day |
| Travel time savings | 865 million hours in 2011 |
| Congestion cost savings | $21 billion in 2011 |
| Greenhouse gas emissions reduction | 95% less carbon dioxide than single-occupancy vehicles |
| Volatile organic compound emissions reduction | 92% less than single-occupancy vehicles |
| Nitrogen oxide emissions reduction | 48% less than single-occupancy vehicles |
| Water and ground pollution reduction | Fewer roads needed |
| Noise pollution reduction | Less traffic noise |
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What You'll Learn
- Public transportation produces fewer emissions per person
- Public transit reduces the number of single-occupancy vehicles
- The environmental impact of public transportation varies between countries
- Electric public transport is a cleaner alternative to diesel
- Public transportation reduces congestion and traffic
Public transportation produces fewer emissions per person
A study by the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments found that public transportation produces 95% less carbon dioxide, 92% fewer volatile organic compounds, 45% less carbon dioxide, and 48% less nitrogen oxide per passenger mile when compared to single-occupancy vehicles. These pollutants contribute to global warming, smog, acid deposition, and health problems.
The environmental benefits of public transportation are evident in cities with extensive transit systems, such as Salt Lake City. In 2010, the Utah Transit Authority's bus, commuter rail, and light rail services saved the region about 11,100,000 gallons of gas, resulting in savings of over $36 million for Salt Lake City residents. Similarly, the move from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel by RideKC buses in Kansas City reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1,870 metric tons, equivalent to taking 395 passenger cars off the road for a year.
In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, public transportation also helps to lower congestion. In 2011, public transportation in the US saved 865 million hours in travel time, and congestion costs were estimated to be $21 billion lower than they would have been without public transportation. Furthermore, public transportation can lead to a reduction in single-occupancy vehicles, resulting in less traffic and improved air quality.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of public transportation in reducing emissions depends on various factors. These include the type of fuel used, the efficiency of the transit system, and the number of people choosing to use it. For example, in the US, public transit use has declined since the 1960s due to a focus on highway development, while countries like Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and Germany have high public transit use and lower transportation-related emissions.
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Public transit reduces the number of single-occupancy vehicles
Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation account for about 28% of total US greenhouse gas emissions, making transportation the largest contributor to US emissions. Transportation creates more than a fifth of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.
Public transportation emits far fewer climate-warming greenhouse gases than private cars. This is because trains and buses can carry far more people than cars, which usually carry just one or two people at a time. Therefore, shifting people from cars to public transit can significantly lower our impact on the climate.
However, people will only choose public transportation when it is their most convenient option for getting around. Public transportation works best where lots of people live and work. A train or subway line is a big investment, and only makes economic sense if it attracts plenty of riders. Buses need less infrastructure and can be more cost-effective in smaller towns and less-dense neighbourhoods, but still need a steady flow of users to run cost-effectively.
Some cities have implemented policies and initiatives to improve accessibility and reduce congestion. For example, Berlin and Madrid have outstanding accessibility provided by both their public transit and road infrastructure systems. Berlin has shown its capacity for mobility innovation by regulating ride-sharing and launching an on-demand transit service that complements public transit in the city centre. Madrid implemented a ban on older, more polluting cars and restricted access to the city centre to drivers with private parking spots and those who register for parking in advance. These measures have reduced congestion while increasing the quality of life.
Other cities have introduced "congestion pricing", where cars are charged a fee to enter high-traffic areas. This discourages car use, leading to less traffic and better air quality.
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The environmental impact of public transportation varies between countries
Wealthy Countries with Transit-Oriented Development:
In countries like Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and Germany, there is a strong history of investing in public transportation infrastructure and promoting transit-oriented development. As a result, public transit use is high, and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation are relatively low. This is because people have convenient and efficient alternatives to private cars, reducing the number of vehicles on the road.
United States:
The US has invested heavily in highways, which has led to a decline in public transit use since the 1960s. As a result, the transportation sector is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the country. However, there are efforts to improve public transportation, with initiatives like SmartWay helping to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce emissions in the freight transportation sector.
Developing and Fast-Growing Countries:
In developing countries, public transit use is often high because most residents cannot afford private cars. Countries like Kenya, Colombia, and the Philippines have the opportunity to build on their culture of public transit as their economies grow, keeping emissions low. China serves as an example, as its massive investment in high-speed rail networks has kept a significant portion of its population reliant on public transportation despite rising car ownership.
Low-Income Countries:
In low-income countries, such as Brazil, government support for public transport has often been limited, relying heavily on fare revenues. This can lead to a downward spiral where low ridership reduces revenue, impacting employment and service quality, further decreasing usage. However, the pandemic has prompted some positive changes, with increased government support and creative funding sources like directing parking fees toward public transport.
Electrification of Public Transportation:
The electrification of public transportation is crucial to reducing emissions. While metro and light rail systems are often powered by electricity, most buses worldwide still run on diesel or fossil fuels, contributing to air pollution and health risks, especially in low-income communities. Accelerating the adoption of electric buses is essential to reducing emissions and improving air quality, with targets of around 60% of electric and fuel cell bus sales by 2030 to limit global warming.
Overall, the environmental impact of public transportation varies between countries due to a combination of historical investments, policy choices, economic development, and cultural norms. To combat climate change effectively, countries must prioritize expanding and improving public transportation infrastructure, encouraging transit-oriented development, and accelerating the electrification of bus fleets.
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Electric public transport is a cleaner alternative to diesel
Public transportation is responsible for a large percentage of emissions in the US, with the transportation sector being the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the country. In 2020, diesel and biodiesel were the predominant fuel sources for transit buses, with natural gas and hybrid diesel-electric following. Diesel buses produce nearly 1½ to 8 times the global warming emissions of an electric bus, depending on the region.
The use of electric buses is still small but growing rapidly in the US. In 2018, there was a 29% increase in the number of fully electric, battery-driven buses in service across the country, for a total of 528. Cities such as Seneca, South Carolina, and Ames, Iowa, have switched to electric fleets, with the former finding that the range of their electric buses exceeded expectations. Chicago is also moving forward with a plan to electrify its entire fleet by 2040. California, New York City, and Seattle have pledged to transition to zero-emission fleets, meaning that by 2045, 33% of all transit buses in the US will be powered by electricity.
While electric buses are more expensive than diesel buses, they can provide cost savings over time. Electric buses have lower fuel and maintenance costs, and their increased efficiency can lead to cost savings and environmental benefits. Additionally, electric buses do not produce tailpipe emissions, which can improve air quality in cities.
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Public transportation reduces congestion and traffic
Public transportation has a significantly lower environmental impact than private transport. The latest research shows that in 2011, US public transportation saved 865 million hours in travel time. Without public transportation, congestion costs in 2011 would have risen by nearly $21 billion from $121 billion to $142 billion in 498 urban areas.
Public transportation use saves the US the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually and more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day. US public transportation also saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the emissions from electricity generation for 4.9 million households.
However, the claim that public transport reduces traffic congestion is not always valid. Logically, public transport should encourage people to give up their cars or bikes, reducing the number of personalized trips and increasing the use of city rail and bus services. However, this may not necessarily ease traffic congestion, as new drivers will fill the vacated space.
For example, London has one of the largest public transport networks in the world, with integrated underground, train, and bus systems. Despite this, London is ranked as the city with the heaviest traffic congestion. The number of motorised vehicles worldwide increased from 75 million to about 675 million between 1950 and 1990, with 80% used for personal transportation. This rise in car use has contributed to the limited success of public transport in reducing congestion.
To effectively reduce congestion, policy measures and improvements in public transport performance are necessary to attract people away from private transportation. This includes implementing bus-only lanes for faster and more frequent bus trips, introducing congestion pricing to discourage car use, and investing in public transport infrastructure, such as train or subway lines.
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Frequently asked questions
Public transportation produces far fewer pollutants than private cars. When compared to single-occupancy vehicles, public transportation produces 95% less carbon dioxide, 92% fewer volatile organic compounds, 45% less carbon monoxide, and 48% less nitrogen oxide.
Public transportation is more efficient than private cars. Trains and buses can carry more people than cars, which usually carry just one or two people. Therefore, public transportation reduces the number of vehicles on the road, leading to lower emissions.
Public transportation reduces air pollution and conserves energy. It also helps to reduce congestion and the number of roads that need to be built, which in turn reduces water runoff and ground and water pollution.
Public transportation improves air quality, which has positive health benefits for the community. Cleaner air can lead to fewer respiratory ailments, such as asthma, and a reduced risk of cancer.
