Exciting Innovations in Public Transport Coming Your Way
In recent years, there has been a rise in innovations in the realm of clean transportation. Some cities and countries have been taking advantage of these strides to begin working towards clean public transportation. This will help reduce carbon emissions and lead us to a healthier planet.
What is Happening Now?
Some countries are already investing in implementing clean public transport. Denmark has secured a $3.2 million deal to buy 100 electric trains from French company, Alstom. These trains have already been used in Italy for years and will now be replacing the diesel trains in Denmark, reducing carbon emissions. Texas is similarly implementing the use of electric trains through investing in a $1.6 billion electric bullet train from Dallas to Houston. Electric trains are becoming increasingly popular in many European countries including France and Germany. While this is a step in the right direction for the climate, the hope is that as they become more popular, the cost will decrease as efficiency increases.
Electric buses are also increasing in popularity, with Charlotte, North Carolina beginning a pilot program for electric buses in the area. They are testing different brands to see which best fits the city’s transportation needs. This comes following cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York beginning to convert their bus fleets to electric. Similarly, Finland has been testing solar-powered bus station screens. The city of Lahti, where the bus stops are, intends to be fully carbon neutral by 2025. Hopefully initiatives such as this will increase across the world.
How Can You Support These Initiatives?
There are many ways to support clean public transportation. While donating to support these initiatives is always helpful, there are other ways to be involved that are not as costly. Taking public transportation rather than driving can demonstrate to governments that electric public transportation is worth investing in as more people are using public transportation.
How Are Governments Motivating Innovation?
Leaders are finding interesting new ways to motivate people to innovate. On April 20th, 2021, Governor Cuomo announced an $85 million New York Clean Transportation Prizes program that will have three programs, all supporting global solutions surrounding clean transportation and reducing harmful emissions, with a focus on underserved communities. The three programs will each have a different focus: one on air pollution reduction, one on electric mobility options, and one on electric trucks and busses.
Moving Forward
There are steps being taken now to move towards a greener future that we are seeing spread across the globe. There are clean public transportation options in many cities and countries across the world right now, with more on the way. Taking public transport and encouraging innovation is the best way to get involved. When these clean public transportation options come to you, take these options over driving yourself to demonstrate the impact they can make. This will help your pocket and our planet.
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