The Problem: Unsustainable Transportation
Urban areas are facing significant transportation
challenges that can make or break their economic,
social and environmental futures. These include:
-
Rising traffic congestion
and decreasing productivity as more vehicles
drive more miles each year, while also increasing
dependence on petroleum.
-
Worsening local air pollution
and a substantial contribution to global warming.
The U.S. emits 25% of total global greenhouse
gas emissions, one-third of which come from the
transportation sector.
-
A declining sense of the
quality of life in urban areas in the face
of congestion, increasing road safety concerns,
and growing noise and air pollution.
-
Decreasing access by the
poor to transport options as public transit
declines in favor of private vehicles
The
Solution: Smart Transportation
A few but growing number of cities are now adopting
sustainable transportation strategies which demonstrate
that a transportation system can be designed,
managed, financed, and operated in a manner that
reduces transportation demand growth and fixes
these problems. These strategies enhance economic
development, improve the quality of life, and
reduce congestion, local air pollution, and global
warming.
They....
- Integrate land-use and transportation decisions
through Smart Growth initiatives.
- Provide well-funded transportation alternatives
such as public transportation, walking, and
biking.
- Promote multiple occupancy vehicle use.
- Eliminate the need for travel through telecommuting
and electronic commerce.
- Improve vehicle design and use clean alternative
fuels.
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