Global public transportation usage has to double by 2030 in order to meet the world’s 1.5°C emissions target, according to a new report from C40 Cities and the International Transport Workers’ Federation. As electric vehicles dominate the agenda on “transport day” at the COP26 conference in Glasgow, the report underscores warnings from policymakers and labor leaders that climate negotiators should not ignore the role of public transit in decarbonizing the transport sector.
The report calls for $208 billion in annual investments in 100 cities to improve the infrastructure, safety, comfort and reliability of buses and rail service. Authors say it could boost ridership — which was hard-hit by the pandemic — in part by making public transit more appealing to residents who use private vehicles. But shifting commuter behavior is a difficult feat that requires major changes in funding and land-use policies that prioritize cars. From me, today on CityLab: Public Transit Use Must Double to Meet Climate Targets, City Leaders Warn
