Transport
Transport is the second largest source of pollution in Australia. Sustainable transport can save you money, improve your health and reduce your environmental footprint.
Fast facts about Perth transport
- Transport is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia, accounting for 90 million tonnes of CO2-e. Cars and other light vehicles make up more than half of that emissions figure.
- The average commuting distance in Perth is 30 Km which is equivalent to releasing 2 tonnes greenhouse gases per year!
- Switching from a car to public transport to commute to work could save you approximately $5,500 per year!
- Transperth can move 50,000 people an hour along one of its rail lines compared to a Kwinana or Mitchell freeway lane which can move only 2,500 people an hour. Think about how much slower your rush hour crawl along the freeway to or from the city would be if it wasn’t for the many thousands of commuters on Transperth trains.
- A full bus load of passengers can take more than 50 cars off the road; and a full passenger train carrying 1,000 people can take 800 cars off the road – that’s equivalent to a 5km line of traffic!
Why we should all be walking and cycling more!
- Reduced use of fossil fuel and associated costs
- Reduced air pollution
- Improved public health
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
Did you know?
Tips to reduce your transport footprint
REDUCE PROXIMITY TO WORK & SCHOOL
Living closer to your work or school is a great benefit where active commuting is possible. Walking or cycling to the work and school would help in the wellbeing of people and the climate.
USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Use public transport such as buses or trains whenever you can. Active transport like this also helps you stay fit and healthy through the extra physical activity involved. It reduces the number of vehicles on roads and can save you a lot of money too!
CARPOOLING IS COOL
Organise to carpool for your daily commute to work. It can improve your social life and make for a productive use of your time. More people in one car can make less cars on the road which is a win for both your commute and the environment.Â
CHOOSE AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE
Let an electric vehicle be your next car and charge it through renewable energy. Electric vehicles have become increasingly popular and are getting more affordable every year!Â
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More than 590,000 cyclists take to WA’s streets and paths every week and electric bikes have encouraged even more cycling as they minimise distance and time constraints.
E-bikes can help you get around and stay fit without the costs and emissions of a car or the traffic congestion – and they are great fun! They are similar to a traditional bicycle with the addition of a battery pack and an electric motor that assists the rider’s efforts making cycling a more enjoyable and feasible option for those who:
- commute long distances,
- live in hilly areas,
- can’t easily pedal a traditional bicycle or
- enjoy tailwinds but not headwinds.Â
Learn more about e-bikes with our free guide!
Other Ways to Switch
Learn about more ways you can switch your thinking and live a more sustainable lifestyle.