Meghan Hodges
Public transport is one of the most cost-effective solutions to address today's climate and development challenges. It is a key driver of equitable, sustainable development in cities worldwide. By switching from a solo commute by car to public transportation, a person can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. This is because buses and trains can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to two-thirds per passenger, per kilometre compared to private vehicles. In addition, public transport helps reduce congestion, which saves travel time and costs. The electrification of public transport, especially buses, is crucial to further reducing emissions and improving air quality, especially in low-income and disadvantaged communities, which are disproportionately affected by transport infrastructure pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reduction in CO2 emissions | 41% of Greenhouse Gases are caused by cars. By switching to public transport, a person can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by 20 pounds per day or 48,000 pounds a year. |
| Reduction in other harmful emissions | Public transport produces 95% less carbon monoxide, 92% fewer volatile organic compounds, and 45% less carbon dioxide per passenger mile. |
| Improved air quality | Air pollution has a detrimental impact on the environment and human health. Public transport can reduce air pollution and improve air quality. |
| Reduced congestion | Public transport reduces the number of cars on the road, saving the US 865 million hours in travel time in 2011. |
| Cost savings | The move from diesel to CNG fuel creates cost savings and environmental benefits. |
| Health benefits | Most public transport passengers get at least 22 minutes of exercise daily while walking to and from transit stations, contributing to a healthier lifestyle. |
| Social benefits | Increasing access to reliable public transport brings social benefits such as lower traffic fatality rates, more active residents, and broader access to jobs, education, and services. |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric public transport is more efficient when powered by renewable energy sources
- Public transport reduces the number of cars on the road, lowering carbon emissions
- Fewer cars on the road means less noise pollution
- Public transport helps reduce congestion, saving travel time and costs
- Electric buses emit less carbon per passenger-kilometre than gas-powered private cars
Electric public transport is more efficient when powered by renewable energy sources
The transportation sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and public transport is one of the best solutions to address this issue. Buses and trains can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to two-thirds per passenger per kilometre compared to private vehicles.
To support transport electrification, cities and countries should scale up renewable energy investment and deployment. As the world seeks to triple renewable energy by 2030, the public transport sector can contribute by forming Power Purchase Agreements, committing to purchasing clean energy at predetermined prices. This enables renewable energy developers to make further investments in greater capacity with lower risk.
Electric public transport powered by renewable energy sources brings financial advantages as well. While there is usually an upfront investment required to switch to clean energy, the savings often cover the costs within a few years. Electric vehicles are less expensive to operate and maintain than diesel vehicles, and it costs much less to recharge an electric battery than to fill a tank with gasoline.
By switching to renewable energy sources, public transport can further reduce emissions and play a crucial role in combating climate change.
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Public transport reduces the number of cars on the road, lowering carbon emissions
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, are emitted into the atmosphere and trap heat, causing detrimental impacts on the environment, such as climate change. Transportation is the biggest contributor to these emissions, with cars being the largest source within the transport sector.
Public transportation in the US saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the emissions from the electricity generated for all the households in Washington DC, New York City, Atlanta, Denver, and Los Angeles combined. Communities that invest in public transit reduce the nation's carbon emissions by 63 million metric tons annually. On average, the use of public transportation instead of private vehicles produces 95% less carbon monoxide, 92% fewer volatile organic compounds, and 45% less carbon dioxide per passenger mile.
The latest research shows that in 2011, US public transportation use 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 has a proven record of reducing congestion, and fewer cars on the road means less road construction. Building more roads causes water runoff that contributes to ground and water pollution.
While metro rail and light rail transit are largely powered by electricity, most of the world's buses still run on diesel or other fossil fuels, which cause significant emissions and contribute to air pollution and related health risks in cities. Electric buses are a much cleaner option, emitting less than half as much carbon as gas-powered private cars per passenger-kilometer traveled.
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Fewer cars on the road means less noise pollution
Public transportation is one of the most cost-effective solutions to address climate and development challenges. It has been proven to reduce congestion, with US public transportation saving 865 million hours in travel time in 2011. Without this, congestion costs in 2011 would have risen by nearly $21 billion.
One of the benefits of reduced congestion is the impact on noise pollution. Traffic noise accounts for the majority of polluting noise in cities. Constant loud noise can damage human health in several ways, including causing tinnitus or deafness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noise pollution can lead to serious health issues, including stress, sleep disorders, and cardiovascular disease.
Fewer cars on the road mean less noise pollution, and this has a significant impact on the health and well-being of those living in busy areas. Noise pollution is not just an issue for humans; it also affects wildlife. Experts say that noise pollution can interfere with breeding cycles and is contributing to the extinction of some species.
There are several ways to reduce noise pollution caused by vehicles. Firstly, individuals can opt for alternative means of transport such as bicycles or electric vehicles. Secondly, cities can implement noise-reducing measures such as noise barriers and smoother road surfaces. Acoustic monitoring can also be used to identify noise sources and hotspots, allowing for targeted interventions.
By encouraging the use of public transportation and implementing noise-reducing strategies, cities can reduce noise pollution and create a healthier and more pleasant environment for residents and wildlife alike.
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Public transport helps reduce congestion, saving travel time and costs
Public transportation has a proven record of reducing congestion. Research from 2011 shows that public transportation use in the US 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 transport reduces congestion by taking cars off the road. A single person who switches from a 20-mile solo commute by car to existing public transportation can reduce their annual CO2 emissions by 20 pounds per day, or more than 48,000 pounds in a year. This is equal to a 10% reduction in all greenhouse gases produced by a typical two-adult, two-car household. By eliminating one car and taking public transportation instead of driving, a savings of 30% of carbon dioxide emissions can be realized.
Public transport also saves the equivalent of 300,000 automobile fill-ups every day. This is because buses and trains can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to two-thirds per passenger, per kilometre compared to private vehicles.
In addition to reducing congestion, public transport also brings other benefits such as lower traffic fatality rates, more active city residents, and broader access to jobs, education, and urban services.
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Electric buses emit less carbon per passenger-kilometre than gas-powered private cars
Public transport is one of the most cost-effective solutions to address climate change and development challenges. It is a well-known fact that the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions is transportation. Therefore, choosing to travel sustainably can make a significant difference to the environment and climate.
The benefits of electric buses are clear when compared to gas-powered private cars. The average greenhouse gas emissions of cars in 2022 were 166 grams of CO2 equivalents per passenger kilometre driven, with an average occupancy rate of 1.4 persons per car. This means that with a typical occupancy rate of one person in commuter traffic, CO2 emissions are significantly higher. The most climate-damaging car is the diesel car, emitting 173 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre, followed by petrol cars at 165 grams. In contrast, electric buses produce far fewer emissions, with long-distance buses generating around 31 grams of CO2 per kilometre travelled per passenger in 2022.
The use of electric buses can help reduce congestion and improve air quality, particularly in urban areas. Additionally, public transportation can save a significant amount of gasoline and reduce the number of automobile fill-ups, further decreasing carbon emissions.
To conclude, electric buses are a more environmentally friendly option than gas-powered private cars due to their lower carbon emissions per passenger-kilometre. This makes them a key component in the transition to a more sustainable and equitable transportation system.
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Frequently asked questions
Public transport reduces pollution by lowering carbon emissions, air pollution, and congestion on roads.
Public transport, such as buses and trains, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to two-thirds per passenger, per kilometre compared to private vehicles.
Public transportation has a proven record of reducing congestion on the roads. In 2011, US public transportation use saved 865 million hours in travel time.
Public transport reduces air pollution by reducing the number of cars on the road. Communities of colour currently experience the highest rates of air pollution from cars, trucks, and buses.
Electric public transport is the most effective at reducing pollution. Electric buses emit less than half as much carbon as gas-powered private cars per passenger-kilometre travelled.
