Low-Emission Transportation Systems

Introducing 𝐋𝐄𝐙 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 - An illustrative go-to guide for implementing Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in India! 🎉 In this publication, we at ITDP - India in collaboration with ICCT India are thrilled to share insights from our experience of supporting cities of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pimpri Chinchwad, and Pune in addressing air pollution by implementing low-emission zones. ✅ What does the publication include? - How cities can address tail-pipe emissions  - The benefits and types of LEZs  - An 8-step process including setting emission reduction targets, identifying locations, selecting enforcement methods, and more! ✅ Why is this strategy important? In the Pune Metropolitan Region, transport contributed to 46% PM 2.5 emission load. Further, PM 2.5 emissions increased dramatically by 91% from transport between 2012 and 2019. To mitigate this, Indian cities must embrace a comprehensive mobility strategy — increase investments to promote frequent public transport, walking and cycling, implement compact, transit-oriented city planning, accelerate a shift to cleaner fuel technologies, and also importantly #restrict polluting vehicles through strategies such as Low Emission Zones. ✅ What is our goal with this publication? Cities are taking action and we hope this step-by-step guide provides clarity and confidence to you — city officials, practitioners, and change-makers — looking to tackle this issue head-on. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us and we will be happy to address them. Together, let’s pave the way for cleaner air and vibrant, livable cities for generations to come! ✨ I am grateful to the amazing team that supported with the preparation of this publication:  Technical Research: Parin Visariya, Siddhartha Godbole, Aangi Shah, Pranjal Kulkarni, Rutuja Nivate (ITDP Team) I Vaibhav, and Moorthy Nair (ICCT Team)  Publication (visuals and text): Varsha Jeyapandi, Keshav Suryanarayanan (former team member)  Under guidance from: Amit Bhatt Aswathy Dilip Kashmira Dubash  A special thank you to our reviewers of the publication: Rutul Joshi and Anumita Roychowdhury We also hosted an engaging webinar yesterday with an amazing panel — Shashi Verma from Transport for London, Anju Goel from TERI - The Energy and Resources Institute, Dr. Sandra Wappelhorst from The International Council on Clean Transportation, Sree Kumar Kumaraswamy from WRI India, Parin Visariya from @ITDP India and Vivek Vaidyanathan from Artha Global — moderated by Kashmira Dubash. If you missed it, you can watch the recordign here: https://lnkd.in/g3wJp6yg #LowEmissionZones #AirPollution #SustainableCities  

With over 11 million inhabitants, Germany's federated state of Baden-Württemberg is planning for a 55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 for the transport sector—which is responsible for a third of its total emissions. To achieve this, they have set five ambitious targets. 1️⃣ Double public transport usage: Service levels are to be improved and capacities increased. In addition to improving the reliability and travel-time of train/tram/bus travel, a considerable expansion of services is intended to ensure a reliable service in the region as a whole. 2️⃣ One in two trips by foot or bike: The share of trips by bike should increase from 10 to 20% and foot from 21 to 30%. The 8,000 km cycle network will be brought up to standard, supplemented by 20 express paths. Pedestrian infrastructure will be supported via funding programmes. 3️⃣ One fifth less car traffic: Road space is to be upgraded, and means of sustainable mobility to be facilitated and strengthened. Cost-based parking management and repurposing will improve public space. High quality car sharing services are to be available throughout the region. 4️⃣ Half of freight moved by climate-neutral means: Favourable competitive conditions are to be created through a (truck) toll on roads. Further expansion of rail infrastructure, and sustainable and efficient city logistics will be planned with the use of climate-neutral vehicles. 5️⃣ One in two cars powered by renewable energy: 2,000,000 private and 100,000 public charging points will be created. A framework will be developed at federal and EU levels to make e-cars cheaper. Benefits shall be provided for the users, like the creation of zero-emission zones. Developed in dialogue with citizens and stakeholders, Baden-Württemberg's blueprint ultimately recognizes the transformation of the transport sector as an opportunity—to concurrently increase quality of life and access to opportunity in urban and rural areas across the region.

My latest article in Khaleej – Towards Sustainable Cities and Carbon Neutrality: The Road to COP30 In the face of rapid urban expansion and intensifying climate change, cities—responsible for over 70% of global emissions—have become the focal point of transformation. The article highlights that sustainable transport is no longer optional, with the transport sector contributing nearly one‑quarter of global carbon emissions and more than 65% of oil consumption in 2023–2024. Expanding public transport networks can reduce emissions by up to 80%, while Bus Rapid Transit systems and electric bus fleets are reshaping mobility worldwide. Human‑centered cities, designed for pedestrians and cyclists, offer further solutions: in Copenhagen, 62% of residents commute daily by bicycle across 390 km of dedicated lanes, cutting car trips by up to 40%. High‑impact strategies also include the transition to low‑carbon fuels and electric mobility, with EV sales reaching 17.1 million units in 2024—22% of all new cars. Low‑emission zones in more than 250 European cities improved air quality by up to 40%, while congestion charges in London and Singapore reduced traffic volumes by 30% and boosted bus usage by 12%. These diverse approaches—from smart governance and digital infrastructure to renewable energy and walkable neighborhoods—align with the COP30 agenda, which places carbon neutrality at its core. The vision affirms that our future depends on living in harmony with nature, building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities for generations to come. https://lnkd.in/dQBPh6gJ

India's urban congestion is escalating due to the rapid rise in private vehicle ownership. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) reported a 9.5% annual growth in vehicle registrations, with Ahmedabad alone seeing over 1.5 lakh new vehicles yearly. This surge calls for a paradigm shift in how we approach urban mobility. Financial sustainability is key to transforming public transport systems into self-sustaining entities. Revenue diversification is crucial, and successful models like Transport for London, which generates substantial revenue through advertising and corporate partnerships, provide valuable insights. Indian systems are adopting similar strategies—premium services, advertising, and monetizing public spaces in metro and bus terminals are becoming vital revenue streams. Public transport networks can also play a role in logistics. The Indian Railways’ shift towards freight corridors, earning more from cargo than passengers, exemplifies this potential. By using existing bus and train networks for cargo, developing parcel hubs, and collaborating with e-commerce platforms, India's transport systems could not only ease urban congestion but also create new revenue streams. The future of mobility lies in multi-modal transport solutions. These integrated systems—comprising buses, trains, cycling, and shared mobility—offer the way forward. Projects like the Ahmedabad and Mumbai Metro expansions are pivotal in this vision. Mumbai's suburban trains, carrying over 7.5 million passengers daily, reduce the need for private vehicles. If replicated across cities, such solutions will be key to alleviating congestion. Cycling presents an untapped opportunity. Global cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen have set the bar, with over 40% of commuters cycling daily. Indian cities like Indore, Pune, and Bengaluru are already integrating cycling lanes and bike-sharing systems, promoting eco-friendly mobility. This shift can reduce fuel costs, lower pollution, and enhance public health, but challenges like safety concerns and inadequate infrastructure must be addressed. Shared mobility and electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming urban transport. Cities like Paris, where e-scooters replace millions of car trips annually, offer a glimpse into the future. Bengaluru and Hyderabad have already seen a 20-30% increase in shared mobility adoption. India is accelerating this shift with over 2,000 electric buses deployed under the FAME-II scheme in Gujarat. Digitalization plays a critical role in enhancing the efficiency of urban transport. Real-time passenger information, smart ticketing, online payments, and AI-based route optimization are now part of modern transport networks. The evolution of urban mobility in India is not just about reducing traffic but about creating a sustainable, efficient, and integrated transport ecosystem for the future. #publictransportation #electricvehicle #logistics #metro #multimodaltransport

We’ve Never Moved More—But at What Cost? 🚗✈️🚢 Every product you buy, every flight you take, every package that lands at your doorstep—it all adds up. Transportation alone accounts for 14% of global emissions, and instead of shrinking, that number is still climbing. But here’s the good news: The clean transport revolution has begun! This is the next deep dive in our From 59 to 0 series—where we break down the 59 gigatons of CO₂ we emit annually and explore the solutions that can bring that number to zero. So, why is transport such a big problem? Because Movement = Emissions. 🌍 Global trade is booming. - More people are flying than ever. - Most of us still rely on cars. Yes, we’re seeing huge progress in clean transportation, but we’re still far from net zero. Let’s break it down: 🚗 Road: EVs are booming, but charging infrastructure is lagging. - Road transport makes up 70% of all transport emissions. Nearly half of that comes from passenger cars. - The good news? 18% of new cars sold in 2023 were EVs. - The challenge? Expanding charging networks, improving battery recycling, and scaling electric trucks. ✈️ Aviation: The hardest nut to crack—but not impossible. - Battery-powered planes? Not happening anytime soon. - But short-haul electrification, hydrogen, and rail alternatives are gaining - traction. - Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and new propulsion tech will be key for long-haul flights. 🚢 Shipping: Alternative fuels are gaining momentum. - Shipping alone accounts for 2% of global emissions. - Conventional batteries won’t work for long-haul cargo ships. - Hydrogen-based fuels like ammonia and methanol, alongside carbon capture, are the most promising solutions—but need major investment to scale. 💡 What’s already happening? Einride is leading the way in electric and autonomous freight, making logistics more sustainable. Metafuels is developing sustainable aviation fuel, a key solution for decarbonizing flying. So, what’s next? - More EV charging + better batteries – Cutting reliance on rare earth metals and scaling battery recycling. - Scaling low-carbon fuels – Turning hydrogen, ammonia, and SAFs into industry standards. - Investing in rail & public transport – Making cities more walkable and reducing unnecessary trips. At Carbon Equity, we invest in companies pushing transportation into the future—because this transition isn’t just necessary, it’s already happening. Next up: Buildings & Construction—the silent CO₂ emitters. What’s the most exciting transport decarbonization solution you’ve seen? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️ Big shout out to our very own climate guru Liza who has put together all the work behind this content. More of that in the comments. #From59to0 #ClimateTech #CarbonEquity #ImpactInvesting #SustainableTransport

Exciting times ahead for sustainable urban transport in Europe! According to a recent study by Transport & Environment, battery-electric buses made up 36% of new city bus sales in the EU in 2023. At this growth rate, 100% of new EU city buses could be zero-emission by 2027. But what about hydrogen? Hydrogen fuel cells are emerging as a critical player in this transition. They offer longer ranges and faster refueling times, making them ideal for heavy-duty vehicles like buses. The EU is committed to building hydrogen refueling stations in all major cities and along key transport routes, supporting the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The Clean Hydrogen Partnership highlights that investing in hydrogen technology helps cities achieve their emission reduction targets, stimulates local economies, and creates jobs. As we move towards a greener future, hydrogen will play a crucial role in diversifying our energy sources and enhancing the resilience of our transport systems. Let’s embrace this clean, sustainable fuel and drive the change towards zero-emission urban transport! https://lnkd.in/d2jup6p8 https://lnkd.in/dbuKr2NQ

🚍💨 Hydrogen & Battery Buses: OCTA and New Flyer Lead the Way with a $78M Investment The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is teaming up with New Flyer, a leading manufacturer of zero-emission transit buses, to revolutionize public transportation. Together, they’re rolling out a $78 million investment to deploy both hydrogen and battery-electric buses, driving California closer to its clean energy goals. ✨ Investment Highlights: 10 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses: Using hydrogen to generate electricity, these buses provide long-range operation and emit only water vapor—ideal for extended routes. 10 Battery-Electric Buses: Fully powered by renewable electricity, these buses are perfect for shorter, urban routes, cutting greenhouse gas emissions significantly. 🌍 Why This Matters: This dual investment approach leverages the best of both technologies to ensure cleaner air, quieter streets, and a sustainable future. New Flyer continues to lead as a trusted partner in zero-emission mobility, while OCTA sets an example for public transit agencies worldwide. 💡 The Road Ahead: By embracing both hydrogen and battery-electric solutions, OCTA showcases how diverse technologies can work together to meet the varying demands of modern transit systems. What are your thoughts on this hybrid strategy for sustainable public transportation? Could this model work for other regions? Link to full article: https://lnkd.in/erfqYEN7 #Sustainability #PublicTransit #HydrogenEnergy #BatteryTech #ZeroEmission #CleanEnergy #Innovation #NewFlyer #OCTA

🌿 A New Chapter in Sustainable Urban Mobility: Green India’s Double Decker Bus in New Delhi 🚌 New Delhi is taking a bold step toward cleaner and smarter public transportation with the introduction of the Green India Double Decker Bus. This initiative reflects India’s growing commitment to sustainable urban development and reduced carbon emissions. With increasing urban congestion and rising pollution levels, cities like New Delhi are reimagining public transport. The electric double decker buses are not just a nostalgic comeback of an iconic design — they symbolize innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. 🔋 Key Highlights: Fully electric, zero tailpipe emissions Higher passenger capacity, reducing the number of vehicles on the road Modern safety and comfort features Supports India’s broader sustainability and clean energy goals Under the Green India vision, such initiatives align with national programs like the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s sustainability framework and complement policies promoting electric mobility. Beyond infrastructure, this move sends a powerful message: sustainable choices are not optional — they are essential. As professionals, urban planners, policymakers, and citizens, this is an opportunity to rethink mobility, embrace green innovation, and contribute to building cities that are livable for future generations. What are your thoughts on electric double decker buses becoming a common sight in Indian metros? 🌱 #GreenIndia #SustainableTransport #ElectricVehicles #UrbanMobility #NewDelhi #CleanEnergy

Transformation at scale is where real impact happens. The shift from diesel to electric across India’s rail network is more than a cost-saving move it’s a strategic leap toward energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term infrastructure modernization. Reduced fuel dependency, lower emissions, and improved operational efficiency together signal how large public systems can drive meaningful change. Organizations like Indian Railways are leading this transition, while engineering and infrastructure partners such as Siemens India and technology innovators like KPIT are contributing to electrification, smart mobility, and energy optimization solutions. This is a powerful reminder that sustainability isn’t just about new ideas it’s about executing them at national scale. The future of mobility in India is not just faster… it’s cleaner and smarter. Insights from Febstone #GreenMobility #RailwayElectrification #SustainableInfrastructure #EnergyEfficiencyIndia #FutureOfTransport

In a bold step toward zero-emission logistics, China has unveiled a liquid-hydrogen fuel system capable of powering heavy-duty trucks for over 1,000 km on a single fill. Unlike compressed hydrogen, the liquid form allows far greater energy density, enabling extended range and more efficient storage. Developed by Beijing Institute of Technology, this system is optimized for long-haul transport -one of the toughest challenges in green mobility. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water vapor as waste. What makes this innovation remarkable is its ability to maintain consistent performance in cold climates -a key hurdle for hydrogen vehicles. As part of China's national carbon neutrality strategy, the government is rapidly expanding hydrogen infrastructure across highways and logistics hubs, aiming to replace diesel fleets over the next decade. If adopted globally, this breakthrough could revolutionize freight transport -where sustainability and distance reraly coexist. 23.10.25. https://lnkd.in/ebu-nT3g #EnergySecurity #Energy #Markets #GDP #Growth #Economy #EV #Trade #Exports #GlobalTrade #WorldEconomy #Imports #EmergingMarkets #Hydrogen #Mobility #Transportation #Emissions #NetZero