Is public transport good for the environment?

Answer 1

In general the answer is that the same trip carried out by public transport is better for the environment than the private car, however, the answer is sometimes more complicated. For instance, if someone buys a car they may change their journey completely rather than shopping in central Manchester, they may go to the Trafford Centre instead. Nearly all the car traffic growth since 1950 has been caused by long car journeys replacing short bus and walking ones. We do know from experience in Sheffield that good, cheap public transport means that many people will choose not to buy a car. We also know from London that regulated, integrated public transport really can attract people out of their cars, reduce pollution and make towns and cities a better place to live in. But good public transport is only part of the answer. Planners must only agree development at places that are easy to get to by public transport, otherwise car use and the associated environmental damage such as pollution, noise and new roads will continue to increase.

Answer 2

Most public transport, planes, trains, boats, buses and trams usually run on fossil fuels (coal, oil or natural gas) that release greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide (CO2)), or by using electricity generated by burning fossil fuels. This is bad for the environment because it is causing global warming.

On the other hand, of course, public transport is much better for the environment than a car, simply by the number of people it can carry. A train, with only one engine burning oil, can carry the same number of people as a thousand cars.

Answer 3

it's better because if everyone took public transit then there would be less cars to make more polution

Answer 4

Less pollution from vehicles.