Transport modes and sustainability

Continued globalization and urbanization—resulting in the increase of inter- and intracity trips—present an important challenge to the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of our society. Most efforts currently trying to resolve the issues of emissions, energy, and the health and wellbeing impacts of transport relate to either (i) improving the efficiency of transport mode design and operation, and (ii) rethinking the system and developing a more balanced and intermodal system. The former strategy with a focus on transport technological advancements includes clean and energy efficient cars, alternative fuels and vehicles, intelligent transport systems, and eco-driving and eco-flying. The latter—a more holistic approach—tends to facilitate the use of sustainable modes of transport, for example, urban public transport, walking, cycling and train. In terms of the determinants of travel mode choice, socio-demographics, built environment (or spatial attributes) and attitudes are found to play a significant role