Transport is the centre of many economic and social activities. It accounts for about 64% of global oil consumption, 27% of all energy use, and 23% of the world’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. The figures have shown that cities have always been vulnerable to climate change impacts, from extreme weather conditions to flooding to smoke-congested air from nearby wildfires due to unsustainable transport infrastructure. To make transport sustainable, green and liveable, policymakers need to implement an action plan to promote city sustainability.
The following are the top priority policies that cities need to get ahead of future calamities:
Rebuild Mass Transit and Boost Multimodality
Every city in the world depends heavily on mass transit. Subways and buses are more efficient, equitable, and cleaner for moving people than any other mode. The better the mass transit, the more it serves as an enticement for the city. To improve ridership, public transit authorities should focus on three key factors, cheaper, faster and better, and discourage less sustainable alternatives, such as personal cars, which are costly and less convenient. Such policies can encourage mass transit by making it a cheaper option, generating revenue from the fees that can fund future mass transit projects.
Electrify Transportation
Increasing electrified transport leads to improved air quality, reduced emissions, and lower noise levels, making it a relatively straightforward way for cities to make themselves more sustainable. Currently, the technology is used for rail, buses, and small vehicles like cars and trucks. Still, there is a dire need to ensure that regional electrical grids can accommodate the increased demand for power from the transportation sector.
Enable Walking and Cycling Path
To make transport more sustainable, there is a need to create no-car zones and expand walking and cycling paths in cities. Cities must allow bicycles on subways and bus stations to help ensure micro-mobility and develop a strong mass transit system.
Transport is a crucial driver of economic and social development. Transport infrastructure connects people to jobs, education, health care, and each other. Hence, rethinking and revamping the transport system by implementing structural changes will pave the way toward reinforcing some of the positive impacts on emission levels and air quality.
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