What is Sustainable Transportation?
A sustainable transportation system is one that:
- Allows the basic access needs of individuals and societies to be met safely and in a manner consistent with human and ecosystem health, and with equity within and between generations.
- Is affordable, operates efficiently, offers choice of transport mode, and supports a vibrant economy.
- Limits emissions and waste within the planet's ability to absorb them, minimizes consumption of non-renewable resources, limits consumption of renewable resources to the sustainable yield level, reuses and recycles its components, and minimizes the use of land and the production of noise.
Download the complete definition and vision of sustainable transportation report to see how transportation can look in 2035.
Download: English (188KB) French (176KB)
Europe at a crossroads: The need for sustainable transport
European Commission, manuscript finalized June, 2003
Transport delivers the benefits of the European Union directly to its citizens. People and goods can cross, unhindered, from one country to another. Thanks to affordable travel, we can move around freely for business and pleasure — whether by road, rail, air or sea. The products that help determine our lifestyle are transported across Europe faster and in greater quantity and variety than ever before. EU-driven competition within the different transport modes has kept prices down. But, as this booklet shows, transport is the victim of its own success. Our mobility is now threatened by congestion, delays and pollution. Change is required, and the EU’s transport policy is designed to make it happen. |
 |