How can you address climate change as a transportation planner?

The energy cost per kilometre to move on person is orders of magnitude higher for private transport than it is for Mass transit modes, and active modes are nearly “free”. Whilst low emissions and zero emissions vehicle technology is really important, we cannot think that the technology is our “saviour”. We need need to be moving people more efficiently (in mass transit modes) and using low or zero emissions vehicles for those trips that absolutely must be made.

Prioritizing comprehensive investment in public transport (PT) & last-mile connectivity (LMC) is essential to effectively address urban transport challenges. While non-motorized transport & contemporary trends like EVs & multimodality are relevant, it's vital to avoid blindly adopting them in adhoc manner just for superficial sustainability checkboxes. They should serve as supplementary components rather than overshadowing the central role of PT, which must remain the core, fostering true sustainability & integration while preventing token gestures. Placing it at the core of urban mobility strategies signifies a commitment to equitable, accessible, and energy-efficient transit systems, especially in high-density cities of developing world.

Plan for all modes of travel and phase into green energy not force it. If it is sustainable, it is inevitable. Shana Lindsey

Strategies have to be taken among the implementing agencies in countries to adopt puss-pull principles in transportation. Riders have to be pushed away from using personal vehicles (with increased operational costs and surging inconveniences to users). While pulling incentives has to be made to mass transport riders and NMT users. In doing so, along with a digital twin representation of the current conditions with contemporary solutions a sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and eco-friendly transport system can potentially be created.

A good first step is to understand the variable nature and complexity of logistics. Road transport, for instance, varies hugely in the way 'traffic', that is control and planning of movement of freight and people E.g: spot traffic in general haulage is utterly different from planned traffics of component suppliers to manufacturers. The human element is much more to the fore in the former where quite complex logistical planning in the latter. I have seen spot traffic operators finishing shift at 6pm with a blue/grey pallor after immense stress and successful work, utterly unappreciated and not understood by their superiors Without a firm grasp and understanding of logistics, which is often more complex than manufacturing, pitfalls are many

Unfortunately cost of transport mode is a key element for choice decision by travelers, and aviation cost is too low and doesn’t take into account all external impact. Moreover international air travel is not supporting tax on energy use (kerosene) , contrary to railway mode . It is absolutely necessary to increase cost of air travel.

The creation of transit-oriented developments with 5-star safety for pedestrians and cyclists surrounding the transit point can ensure vibrant communities that are safe and sustainable as cities grow. Avoiding unplanned urban sprawl where rural roads become urban without the necessary facilities and speeds to ensure safety is a priority. This extends from high-speed intersections that become high volume through to roads that only retrofit sidewalks and cycling facilities after the deaths have occurred. Unsustainable development that is both predictable and preventable.

A diversity of land uses by itself is not sufficient, but *density* and *compactness* of diverse landuses is also necessary to truly address climate change. People won't walk or ride a bike if there's nowhere useful or interesting within an easy walk or biking distance. We also need smaller retail and commercial spaces available, that will allow smaller businesses to come in, and be profitable; while also providing interesting and necessary spaces for people to walk or bike to.

A sustainable and resilient transportation system can be developed by integrating transportation planning with land use considerations, creating efficient traffic management strategies, and utilising technology for real-time updates. Additionally, advocating for policy changes, raising public awareness, and preparing for climate impacts ensure a comprehensive approach to mitigating climate change effects within transportation planning.

Automated vehicles do nothing for climate change accept making it worse because more people can use a private vehicle and use it for longer distances. We should slow down the development of automated vehicles. The money spend on technology development could be put to much more effective means that benefit society. Other technological solutions could be useful but we do not need them. We can solve the problem with the technologies and systems we have.

Focus on promoting eco-friendly travel options such as walking, cycling, and public transport while investing in improved public transportation to reduce reliance on cars. Supporting the adoption of electric vehicles and alternative fuels contributes to emission reduction.

Some other ways to discourage car use is through road user charges based on usage of the road or vehicle miles traveled. These policies must be accompanied by commensurate investments in public transport infrastructure, facilities for non-motorized transport and transit oriented development instead of building more multi-lane highways and expressways. Also the public transport facilities must be functional and meet the demands of all types of transport users.

The climate-friendly policies can be extended to include removal of subsidies so that road users pay more of the cost or the full cost: a) Removal of taxpayer and property tax subsidies so that road users pay directly b) Increased road user payments towards so called externalities such as vehicle related local air pollution, or an increased contribution to road crash costs c) Full payment by road users towards transport services such as on-street parking costs. d) Removal of fossil fuel producer subsidies so that road users pay the full cost of fuel.

This is probable the number one thing to do. Climate change can be addressed faster and better through collaboration. This is the main issue why things are going slow. Lobbyists from oil sector, OEMs, and others have money to spend to slow down change and present "research" why change is not needed or why some future technology will solve everything and we do not need to act now. Stop listening to lobbyists, start listening to science. Collaborate and ACT!

There are many ways to tackle climate change as a transport planner, from multi-modal systems to integrating land development with transport planning, incorporating green technology and policies. But, all these concepts require a conjunction of both private and public actors to achieve a real impact on lowering GEH. For this, it is necessary to create mechanisms for the integration of public-private cooperation that correctly define responsibilities and schemes to achieve a real impact.

Many transportation systems around the world have incentives and subsidies that move away from zero emission transportation systems. Just removing the subsidies that we have in place for private vehicle ownership and usage and start charging people for the externalities that private vehicle use causes will make a huge difference. In many of the solutions we are implementing is however also easy to forget the more vulnerable groups in society. We need to improve the accessibility for these groups while accepting a reduction in mobility (not accessibility) for the hyper mobile and more priviledged groups in society.

You could focus on promoting sustainable modes of transportation like biking, walking, and public transit, while also advocating for the adoption of electric vehicles. Implementing efficient traffic management systems and encouraging carpooling could help reduce emissions. Additionally, integrating climate considerations into infrastructure projects and collaborating with government agencies and communities can contribute to a holistic strategy against climate change.

In addressing climate change, consider not only climate change mitigation, but also climate change *adaptation*: what climate change-fuelled challenges will the transportation system you're planning, designing or operating have to cope with over its service life? Some of this is about direct impacts of temperature (how will an increase in high heat days impact the need for transit shelters? What will snow-free winters do to cycling mode share?), but it's also about indirect effects: will your infrastructure have to cope with more rainfall? More droughts? How much of your network is vulnerable to sea level rise? Forest fires? Erosion from floods? How will climate-related budget pressures in other areas affect the transportation budget?