According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, two-thirds of the population will live in cities by 2050. There, they will emit 60% of the world's GHGs, consume 75% of the resources, and produce half the waste. One of the significant factors in these stats is transportation. To help stop this burgeoning crisis, we must move away from fossil fuels, and electric vehicles (EVs) play a crucial role in the transition. The intersection of EVs and public transport is an opportunity zone we can't afford to overlook. This article explains why.
The Electric Future Of Public Transit: How Electrification Will Benefit The Environment And Economy Of Future Cities
According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, two-thirds of the population will live in cities by 2050. There, they will emit 60% of the world's GHGs, consume 75% of the resources, and produce half the waste. One of the significant factors in these stats is transportation. To help stop this burgeoning crisis, we must move away from fossil fuels, and electric vehicles (EVs) play a crucial role in the transition. The intersection of EVs and public transport is an opportunity zone we can't afford to overlook. This article explains why.
EVs Benefit The Economy And The Environment
EVs' list of advantages over traditional vehicles is too long to cover completely. However, some of the benefits of electrification need to appear in every discussion of transportation. While these apply to privately owned vehicles, the same principles benefit public transit fleets.
Most importantly, EVs have a much lower carbon footprint than gas-powered vehicles. While some have pointed out that the electricity that powers EVs can also produce emissions, the numbers still favor electrification, sometimes drastically. Moreover, there are tools in place to help determine the energy mix by zip code and calculate the total emissions of operating an EV.
In addition to lower emissions, EVs bring economic benefits. Since most electricity in the US is locally produced, powering EVs is cheaper for the consumer but supports local jobs, keeping money in the community. Moreover, EVs' maintenance costs are much lower due to fewer moving parts. They also have single-speed transmissions, regenerative braking, no oil changes, etc.
Public Transit Has Benefits; Electrification Magnifies Them
While EVs have general benefits that apply to individual consumers and public fleets alike, what advantages does public transit bring? In short, many – and electrification augments all of them. Of course, lower per capita emissions and fuel (or electricity) consumption are great for the environment; however, there are also compelling social and economic benefits.
First, investment in public transit yields $4 in economic growth for every dollar invested. This growth comes from more local jobs, increased revenue for local businesses, and tourism and business travel boosts. Also, by reducing cars on the road, public transit creates less wear and tear per capita than private vehicles, lowering road repair costs and eliminating many detours and traffic jams.
Additionally, public transit promotes equity and productivity among residents. People who live in poorer areas and cannot afford cars can take public transit to jobs beyond walking range, allowing them to enter the workforce. In addition, riders on public buses and trains often work on their commute, something they cannot do while driving.
Electric Buses Don't Just Benefit The People Who Ride Them
As noted above, electrification augments the benefits of public transportation. Electric buses are an excellent example of how an electric public fleet can benefit the environment, people, and local government.
Like other EVs, e-buses have no direct emissions. This is great for the environment and health of the citizens, but it also provides a much more pleasant living experience. The city air feels and smells cleaner with less exhaust.
E-buses produce very little noise – a massive benefit in residential areas. Modern cities always face noise pollution and often spend millions on noise abatement projects. In addition, e-buses don't vibrate. Their electric engine has almost no moving parts, yielding a smoother ride that is more comfortable and allows passengers to enjoy themselves or work more productively on their commute.
Finally, there are benefits to the city's operations budget. Lower fuel costs, less maintenance, and longer vehicle lifespan reduce the strain on municipal finance. Although upfront costs are high, requiring new buses and charging infrastructure, the long-term savings more than offset them.
E-Bikes And E-Scooters Are An Emerging Trend We Should Encourage
Electric bikes and scooters look poised to change how we cover the last mile to our destinations. In fact, some cities have been using "micro-mobility" services for years. But unfortunately, most cities and consumers are unaware of the potential. Nevertheless, there is a massive opportunity for cities to integrate micro-mobility platforms into their public transit systems.
The data from cities with shared micro-mobility vehicles suggests an outsized positive environmental impact. For example, Bird, an e-scooter and e-bike provider in 350 cities worldwide, has reported that its riders saved 1.1 million gallons of gas in 2021 alone.
The economic benefits of electrified micro-mobility are no less impressive. One report illustrates that each e-scooter deployed in a city correlates to a $1,000 growth in spending at local businesses, primarily eateries.
Unfortunately, many cities face barriers to the widespread adoption of e-bikes and e-scooters. Governments can help. There are often arbitrary caps on the number of vehicles allowed in a fleet in cities that already have micro-mobility programs. Municipalities could increase the positive environmental and economic impacts by raising or eliminating these caps. This deregulation will allow the supply of mobility options to meet the growing demand.
Furthermore, cities can encourage local businesses to incentivize their patrons to use electric transportation. For example, they could give tax relief to companies that offer discounts to customers who arrive on an e-bike or e-scooter. Whatever the incentive, it should not take long to show business owners and commuters the benefits of riding electric.
Electric Cars Are Great, Electric Public Transit Fleets Are Even Better
We have known the benefits of electric vehicles for many years now, and they are many. However, we also know that public transit has many advantages over private vehicle ownership. Combining the two is a dynamite solution to curb urban transit emissions and boost the economy. Municipal fleets of e-buses, e-bikes, and e-scooters will provide smooth commutes while leaving cities cleaner, less congested, and more prosperous in the electric future.
Key Takeaways
- Buy an EV – Public transit does not serve all neighborhoods equally, nor does it reach every suburb. However, if you have the resources up front, upgrading to an EV can make a massive difference for the environment and your long-term finances.
- Behavior Changes – Micro-mobility gets you out and about. Although the e-scooter or e-bike does most of the work, operating them is more physical than other options. The physical and mental health boosts of sustained light activity are well documented.
- Electrify Your Life – Try to find other ways to build an electric future. Remove gas stoves, dryers, and water heaters from your home. For the highest value, contact your electricity provider to see if they have any renewable options you can switch to.
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EVs Benefit the Economy And The Environment
EVs' list of advantages over traditional vehicles is too long to cover completely. However, some of the benefits of electrification need to appear in every discussion of transportation. While these apply to privately owned vehicles, the same principles benefit public transit fleets.
Most importantly, EVs have a much lower carbon footprint than gas-powered vehicles. While some have pointed out that the electricity that powers EVs can also produce emissions, the numbers still favor electrification, sometimes drastically. Moreover, there are tools in place to help determine the energy mix by zip code and calculate the total emissions of operating an EV.
In addition to lower emissions, EVs bring economic benefits. Since most electricity in the US is locally produced, powering EVs is cheaper for the consumer but supports local jobs, keeping money in the community. Moreover, EVs' maintenance costs are much lower due to fewer moving parts. They also have single-speed transmissions, regenerative braking, no oil changes, etc.
Public Transit Has Benefits; Electrification Magnifies Them
While EVs have general benefits that apply to individual consumers and public fleets alike, what advantages does public transit bring? In short, many – and electrification augments all of them. Of course, lower per capita emissions and fuel (or electricity) consumption are great for the environment; however, there are also compelling social and economic benefits.
First, investment in public transit yields $4 in economic growth for every dollar invested. This growth comes from more local jobs, increased revenue for local businesses, and tourism and business travel boosts. Also, by reducing cars on the road, public transit creates less wear and tear per capita than private vehicles, lowering road repair costs and eliminating many detours and traffic jams.
Additionally, public transit promotes equity and productivity among residents. People who live in poorer areas and cannot afford cars can take public transit to jobs beyond walking range, allowing them to enter the workforce. In addition, riders on public buses and trains often work on their commute, something they cannot do while driving.
Electric Buses Don't Just Benefit the People Who Ride Them
As noted above, electrification augments the benefits of public transportation. Electric buses are an excellent example of how an electric public fleet can benefit the environment, people, and local government.
Like other EVs, e-buses have no direct emissions. This is great for the environment and health of the citizens, but it also provides a much more pleasant living experience. The city air feels and smells cleaner with less exhaust.
E-buses produce very little noise – a massive benefit in residential areas. Modern cities always face noise pollution and often spend millions on noise abatement projects. In addition, e-buses don't vibrate. Their electric engine has almost no moving parts, yielding a smoother ride that is more comfortable and allows passengers to enjoy themselves or work more productively on their commute.
Finally, there are benefits to the city's operations budget. Lower fuel costs, less maintenance, and longer vehicle lifespan reduce the strain on municipal finance. Although upfront costs are high, requiring new buses and charging infrastructure, the long-term savings more than offset them.
E-Bikes and E-Scooters Are an Emerging Trend We Should Encourage
Electric bikes and scooters look poised to change how we cover the last mile to our destinations. In fact, some cities have been using "micro-mobility" services for years. But unfortunately, most cities and consumers are unaware of the potential. Nevertheless, there is a massive opportunity for cities to integrate micro-mobility platforms into their public transit systems.
The data from cities with shared micro-mobility vehicles suggests an outsized positive environmental impact. For example, Bird, an e-scooter and e-bike provider in 350 cities worldwide, has reported that its riders saved 1.1 million gallons of gas in 2021 alone.
The economic benefits of electrified micro-mobility are no less impressive. One report illustrates that each e-scooter deployed in a city correlates to a $1,000 growth in spending at local businesses, primarily eateries.
Unfortunately, many cities face barriers to the widespread adoption of e-bikes and e-scooters. Governments can help. There are often arbitrary caps on the number of vehicles allowed in a fleet in cities that already have micro-mobility programs. Municipalities could increase the positive environmental and economic impacts by raising or eliminating these caps. This deregulation will allow the supply of mobility options to meet the growing demand.
Furthermore, cities can encourage local businesses to incentivize their patrons to use electric transportation. For example, they could give tax relief to companies that offer discounts to customers who arrive on an e-bike or e-scooter. Whatever the incentive, it should not take long to show business owners and commuters the benefits of riding electric.
Electric Cars Are Great, Electric Public Transit Fleets Are Even Better
We have known the benefits of electric vehicles for many years now, and they are many. However, we also know that public transit has many advantages over private vehicle ownership. Combining the two is a dynamite solution to curb urban transit emissions and boost the economy. Municipal fleets of e-buses, e-bikes, and e-scooters will provide smooth commutes while leaving cities cleaner, less congested, and more prosperous in the electric future.
Key Takeaways
- Buy an EV – Public transit does not serve all neighborhoods equally, nor does it reach every suburb. However, if you have the resources up front, upgrading to an EV can make a massive difference for the environment and your long-term finances.
- Behavior Changes – Micro-mobility gets you out and about. Although the e-scooter or e-bike does most of the work, operating them is more physical than other options. The physical and mental health boosts of sustained light activity are well documented.
- Electrify Your Life – Try to find other ways to build an electric future. Remove gas stoves, dryers, and water heaters from your home. For the highest value, contact your electricity provider to see if they have any renewable options you can switch to.
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