How the Public Transport Industry is Becoming more Environmentally Friendly
Climate change is a major talking point in society, and countries around the world are finding new ways in which to reduce their carbon footprint. Members of the public, especially, are becoming more aware of their own impact on the environment, making lifestyle changes that will ultimately benefit our planet. Many are opting to use public transport, walking and cycling as opposed to travelling by car while others are amending their diets, living habits or shopping patterns.
There’s been a big drive towards the use of public transport in many towns and cities across the UK, making it very important that the infrastructure in place is able to support an increase in usage, as well as live up to expectations when it comes to being environmentally-friendly.
Buses, taxis, trams, and trains historically emit large amounts of harmful greenhouse gases; however, the public transport industry is becoming cleaner and more environmentally aware.
The Mayor of London is pushing for change when it comes to eco-friendly transport. His strategy suggests that by 2019 all double-deck buses will be hybrid, electric or hydrogen-fuelled, while by 2020, all single-deck buses will be zero emission. By 2037, all 9,200 London buses will zero emission, making public transport the greatest way to travel.
Other ways the public transport industry is becoming cleaner is through the installation of energy-efficient, digital wayfinding totems and bus stops. Solar panels are being integrated onto street furniture to power the digital displays, as well as the lighting often found on bus stops. By eliminating the need to connect to the main electricity framework, bus stops and digital signage totems become self-sufficient, ensuring they do not contribute to the emission of harmful gases into our atmosphere.
E-Ink technology is also being rolled out as part of many public transport upgrade projects. The technology eliminates the need for backlit displays reducing the energy required to power the screen. As E-Ink technology develops, colour display is now a possibility and with the help of solar-powered lighting, it can easily be viewed during the day and at night. By integrating E-Ink technology into digital signage displays, the public transport industry will become even more environmentally friendly.
There’s no doubt public transport is more energy-efficient than private car journeys, however, for those who doubted the cleanliness of the industry, remember how far technology has come in the last few decades and how this has and will continue to positively impact the eco-friendliness of public transport.
