sustainable transportation

Moving Forward with Sustainable Transportation

Ms S. Ann / Shutterstock.com
Image by Ms S. Ann / Shutterstock.com

When you think of sustainable transportation, what comes to mind? As the world around us adapts to eco-friendly societal needs, our definition of transportation is dynamic and ever-changing. 

We used to be centered on single occupancy vehicles and traffic jams. Now, we are beginning the shift toward public transit, ridesharing, and sustainable modes of transportation. This way we can keep our society moving forward without the same environmental impact. As the transport industry progresses, the future-thinking nature of our society is creating space for sustainability at every turn.

Public Transit

Public transportation has been an economy-driving form of transit since its humble beginnings of carriages, trolleys, and cable cars. Connecting people to their jobs, schools, and shopping centers fosters a thriving community. With public transit, people without cars can seamlessly lead their best lives.

From subways to trains to city buses, public transportation gets cars off the road and keeps people moving. The environmental impact of this sustainable mode of transit is immense. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and cuts fuel dependency substantially in cities all over the country. 

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Ridesharing

Carpool, vanpool, and rideshare programs are on the rise, and for good reason. Going to the office with a couple of coworkers can transform your commute from a stressful, lonely drive to one of the brightest parts of your workday.

Although COVID-19 has complicated many forms of ridesharing, there are organizations all over the country offering solutions and incentives for businesses. Business owners can use these to get their employees to and from work safely together.

Each day, the US could save up to 33 million gallons of gas if the average commuting vehicle carried one additional person. Ridesharing, if taken advantage of, could change the way we commute in historic ways!

Cycling

At the height of sustainable transportation is one form that is taking our country by storm: cycling. There are few ways to travel that compare in terms of energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction.

With major cities investing in infrastructure to support cycling as a primary form of transportation, people are realizing how much this can transform communities.

Sustainability and cycling work hand in hand, with bicycles producing no pollution and consuming no fossil fuel. Besides, you can fit around 15 bicycles in the same space one car occupies. Switching to cycling can also save over 238 gallons of fuel every year.

As the popularity of cycling as a form of sustainable commuting continues to grow, E-Bikes have begun to make waves in the US. Running on clean energy, electric bicycles are considered zero-emission vehicles. They have all the same health and environmental benefits as the bicycles we all know, but are battery powered and make it easier to ride long distances. Most models can reach speeds up to 25-30 MPH.

This makes E-Bikes a perfect option for anyone commuting to work, but who may not have the physical strength to be a full-out cyclist. 

How We’re Moving Forward with Sustainable Transportation

Making transportation cleaner and more efficient is an ongoing effort. We are continuing to make huge strides as we develop solutions to the issue of the transportation sector and its massive contribution to CO2 emissions throughout the world.

Sustainability in the transportation industry is only advancing our current developments. It is bringing progressive solutions like electric buses, high speed trains, and autonomous vehicles to the forefront of future endeavors.

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With bike-sharing and bicycle donation organizations all over the country, people are able to adopt eco-friendly ways to get from place to place. 

It is a breath of fresh air to see we, as a country, are moving in the right direction and doing so sustainably. With this focus on clean, green transportation, the future is looking bright.

Author Bio: Isabelle Brown spreads the message of sustainable living in her work and daily life. She is the Digital Content Coordinator for The Rideshare Company, a nonprofit organization committed to sustainable transportation through all forms of ridesharing.

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