Sustainable transport

Sustainable transport plays a crucial role in realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically through SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By fostering an inclusive and sustainable transportation system, we can facilitate social and economic development, mitigate environmental damage, and improve the overall quality of life.

In the context of SDG 9, sustainable transport infrastructure fosters economic growth and innovation by enabling the movement of goods and services, promoting regional integration, and enhancing access to markets. It also drives industrial sustainability by fostering energy-efficient modes of transport and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Under SDG 11, sustainable transport is key to creating sustainable cities and communities. It enhances urban mobility, reduces congestion, and mitigates air pollution, thereby improving the quality of life in urban areas. Public transportation, cycling, and walking, as components of sustainable transport, also promote social inclusion by ensuring everyone, including the poor, the disabled, and the elderly, can access opportunities and services.

For SDG 3, sustainable transport can improve public health. Reducing the reliance on private vehicles decreases air and noise pollution, mitigating respiratory diseases, and reducing stress levels. Furthermore, encouraging active transport modes, such as walking and cycling, can combat sedentary lifestyles and associated health issues, such as obesity and heart diseases.

In relation to SDG 13, sustainable transport plays a vital role in combating climate change. The transportation sector is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, thus, shifting towards sustainable transport, such as electric vehicles or public transport, can significantly reduce carbon emissions and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Despite its benefits, achieving sustainable transport requires addressing multiple challenges, such as the high upfront costs of sustainable transport infrastructure, the lack of institutional capacity, and resistance from vested interests. Policies and strategies should be implemented to encourage the use of sustainable transport and ensure its affordability and accessibility to all members of society.

Examines social equity dimensions of transport policies, including human rights to mobility and road safety. Assesses different governments' policy approaches in relation to these human rights.
Elsevier,

Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, Volume 21, September 2023

How people commute to work can have a significant effect on their mental health. This article shows that private car is worse than public or active transport in this respect. Policy measures can encourage people to use modes of transport that promote better mental health.
Elsevier,

Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, Volume 21, September 2023

Long-distance truckers suffer more than the average from depression. This paper identifies positive and negative factors associated with this and suggests remedial actions.
Elsevier,

Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, Volume 121, August 2023

This article advances SDG # 15 and SDG # 11 by examining the large number of animals killed on road and establish how best to assess the problem so as to improve mitigation.
Explores the impact and consequences of not being able to make trips because of transport disadvantage. Explicitly does so in relation to SDG goal 11.2.
Elsevier,

Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, Volume 119, June 2023

Shows how practical economic levers can make the shipping industry more environmentally sustainable.
Explores gender differences in the interactions between people's travel behaviour and their mental health. Suggests policies and strategies that policy-makers and planners could use to promote better mental health specifically among either male or female populations.
Elsevier, Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, Volume 118, May 2023
Increasing shipping traffic in the Arctic Ocean creates an emerging need to understand the consequences of maritime operations on the Arctic environment and coastal Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, as well as potential governance responses. To address this need, we examine recent shipping trends and assess their impact on Arctic environments and communities. Our arguments are novel, and are built around contemporary empirical investigations and published scientific studies, reports, and government documents.
Explores the problems faced by persons with disabilities while using public transport in Lahore, Pakistan, and how these problems influence their choice of mode of transport. Makes recommendations for transport policies and future research.
Elsevier,

Energy Nexus, Volume 9, March 2023, 100181

This Article supports SDGs 7, 11, and 8 by presenting an alternative means of agricultural transport utilizing solar-powered farm rickshaws versus the traditional fossil fuel vehicles.

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