What is Sustainable Transportation?

Sustainable transportation includes modes of transportation and transportation policies that are ecologically friendly, economically friendly, and beneficial to community well-being. Sustainable transportation aims to lessen the environmental impact of traditional means of transportation, such as vehicles and trucks that rely largely on fossil fuels, while also promoting solutions that benefit public health and reduce carbon emissions.

Benefits:

• Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Using more sustainable means of transportation, such as public transit, walking, cycling, and electric automobiles, greatly reduces greenhouse gas and pollutant
  emissions that contribute to climate change and poor air quality.
• Improved Land Use: By decreasing the need for vast road networks and large parking lots, sustainable transportation promotes more efficient land use, freeing up more room for green areas, parks, and communal spaces that are critical for biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Reduced Traffic Congestion: Sustainable transportation can assist to decrease traffic congestion in urban areas, resulting in shorter commute times and less stress for passengers.

Niagara Regions Sustainable Transportation Initiatives

The Niagara GO Hub and Transit Stations Study is an in-depth plan to transform the regions surrounding the GO Transit stations into vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods. This effort is critical to supporting transit-oriented development (TOD), a vital component of smart sustainable transportation. The strategy intends to boost public transport use, reduce dependency on automobiles, and alleviate traffic congestion by concentrating development near transit stations. The goal is to develop high-density residential and commercial zones that are pedestrian-friendly and well-connected to transit services. This not only helps to boost economic growth by recruiting businesses and inhabitants, but it also improves the general quality of life by making public services and amenities more accessible.

One major endeavor is the growth of its active transportation network, which includes the creation of the Greater Niagara Circle Route. This 140-kilometer multi-use walkway encourages locals and visitors to cycle and stroll, reducing dependency on cars and promoting healthier living. Furthermore, this network connects diverse towns around the region, increasing accessibility and cultivating a stronger feeling of community.