(As found on "The Green Tourist")
The London Transport system is a fantastic way to get around the city. The Underground system is modern and offers a lot of services. But does it have a good impact on the environment? This is a big question for many Londoners.
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“There have been tremendous changes in how we travel, throughout recent years. The typical yearly distance individuals in Britain travel is currently three times the extent that it was in 1952, generally because of a ten times expansion somewhere far off via vehicle. Over a similar period, the typical distance travelled by transport every year has diminished from 1,900 km to 600 km per individual.” says HealthOrgUK. A decent transport framework is fundamental for a solid society. The effect of air contamination on well-being is notable, yet transport influences the health of individuals across society, in more ways than one. Putting our resources into transport is one way we can contribute by tending to augment wellbeing imbalances and provincial variance in general wellbeing.
While public transportation comes in many appearances and types, it very well may be characterised as an arrangement that moves individuals starting with one region, onto the next proficiently and reasonably. By far, most public transportation is subsidised and operated by local government bodies. These [public transport vehicles] are designed as an alternative to driving, reducing extra walking time. These vehicles can operate within a city or connect one city to another. The benefits of public transport multiply when the system is planned and designed for interconnectivity, a positive user experience, and efficiency.
Public transportation, such as buses, London underground trains, local and international trains, cable cars and ferries, can include free amenities such as public Wi-Fi, providing sales opportunities for private companies and encouraging physical activity among users. These systems, many of which have their roots before the cars became popular in the 1950s, are also part of efforts to save energy locally and globally.
Increased car ownership has revolutionised the lives of British citizens, providing convenience and expanding the geographical range of employment and social interaction. However, these benefits are not evenly distributed throughout society, with particularly low access to young adults and low-income households. Car-centric policies can lead to underinvestment in other means of transportation. Cars will continue to be the prime option for some people, but the lack of public transport may limit the choices of people who do not have a car, especially ones with health issues, and can limit travel in other ways.
“69% of public transport journeys in Great Britain were made on local buses in the financial year ending 2021. Across Great Britain, those who usually travel to work by car in 2020 accounted for 68% of commuting journeys by all modes. This varied by region, with only 27% of those living in London reporting using a car for their commute. The vast majority (86%) of air passenger movements were on international routes in 2020, whilst most passengers travelling by sea were on domestic routes (75%)”, confirms Gov.uk in the Transport Statistics Great Britain report, 2021
According to the same statistical report released by Gov.uk, transport remained the “largest emitting sector of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019”, 91% of the total domestic emissions came from road transport vehicles in the same year. “92% of passenger kilo-metres travelled in Great Britain was made by cars, vans and taxis.” Other than buses and tubes, the UK Government launched bikes and e-scooters that have gained immense popularity among the British public. The bike scheme was introduced by former Prime Minister Mr Boris Johnson on July 30, 2010. This scheme was suggested by his predecessor Ken Livingstone, who was inspired by a similar scheme in Paris. Currently run by Santander, one can find these bikes at various spots across the city, charging only one pound for the first hour of hire. London has also incorporated several bike lanes to ensure a safer and exclusive pathway for its cyclists. The newfound culture of cycling in London has helped Londoners not only with their physical and mental health but also contributed to reducing environmental pollution and therefore, carbon footprint.
The introduction of Docklands Light Railway (DLR) has brought about huge environmental benefits in the city by placing itself as a viable alternative to cabs and taxis. DLR journeys have contributed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 160 tonnes. The extension of the DLR to London City Airport has acted as a lifeline to the local community by positioning itself as an accessible, cost-effective public transport. 49% of all people travelling to London City Airport have opted for a DLR over a cab ride/ personal vehicle. DLR systems help passengers move regardless of which autonomous region or neighbourhood they live in. Many people can’t drive a car, so it may be the only way to help the public reach their destination.
A more sustainable alternative to Uber has emerged in London in the past couple of years- Green Tomato cars. Having the same user interface and price range as Uber, Green Tomato cars use exclusively low or zero-emission taxis to help reduce carbon emissions. They have also participated in not just planting close to 200 trees a year in London parks, but have also contributed substantially to the Carbon Off-setting Project in Uganda as well. Green tomato cars boast to be “London’s only Sustainable car service”.
What was initially supposed to be a bridge added to the Thames River line, has now become a cable car in East London. This was much welcomed by environmentalists as they believed this to be a more sustainable mode of transport. The cable car has proved to be significantly cheaper than a bridge, and has greatly contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and simultaneously encouraged cycling and walking.
Building the bridge would have led to more congestion and pollution, a problem single-handedly solved by the Emirates cable car. Environment groups have claimed that this sustainable mode of transport has not just helped tackle climate change, but also improved the quality of life for local people.
The Thames has always been a highly underused means of transport in London, which is now fast changing. Riverboat transportation may not be the answer to help London achieve net zero, but it surely does contribute to solving a lot of London’s transportation problems. The increase in the use of river vessels as a mode of transport has allowed taking more cars off the streets as well as reduced overcrowding on buses and tubes. Efforts are being made to find much greener means of powering them, besides the current use of liquified natural gas (LNG), which will enable London to reach its first goal of reducing emissions.
The UK Government and Mayor’s Office have introduced several schemes and plans to promote sustainable travel. The Congestion Charge Zone is one such program that was launched to discourage Londoners from driving cars within the city centre. The Green Tourism for London Scheme is also another prime example, wherein UK-based hotels are awarded grades on the basis of their energy efficiency and promotion of sustainable modes of transport. Tourism Concern is an environmentally aware UK travel agent that organises “Green Holidays” and works towards reducing social and environmental problems in the field of tourism.
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