Also, more people will be subject to flooding in the future. We knew that already.
Good day my good friend.
Writing on one screen, Council meeting on another. If I type a comment on a change of use planning application in today’s newsletter I apologise. In the meantime, enjoy the articles.
James
Will autonomous buses benefit the environment? They will, in theory
You will have probably seen the numerous articles about how electric and autonomous vehicles are not the environmental win that they are often considered to be. But what about autonomous buses, specifically minibuses? Some new research has indicated that there is potential for improved environmental performance. Although the research does note:
Their environmental performance largely depends on their average utilisation, lifetime and total mileage, the electricity mix used, and the substituted means of transport. Automated components affect environmental performance but are not its most important driver.
The weather has an impact on travel: who knew?
“The weather isn’t that important for travel choices” say people who have no idea about how transport works. Prevailing weather conditions do affect travel choices and behaviours, as some new evidence from Australia has confirmed. What is interesting is how this research particularly stresses that this effect is most pronounced for discretionary trips.
How this affects trips over time, particularly in the context of a changing climate, is less certain. And maybe a good idea for a longitudinal study over the coming years.
Moving towards a strategy that could reduce emissions in Delhi, where it is really needed
Some work by the Asian Development Bank has identified a series of policy scenarios for reducing emissions from vehicles in the city of Delhi, and the appropriate policy initiatives that will need to be delivered in each. In short, some significant work is needed in order to achieve significant improvements to air quality:
We predict a significant decline in the emissions of particulate matter, hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides in the [most optimistic] scenarios due to the proposed introduction of BS-VI and battery electric fuel vehicles. We find a 20.67% decrease in the overall PM emissions level in the city by 2030.
As this real time map of air quality in the city shows, this is a significant issue in the city that requires significant action. Tough choices ahead, it seems.
Random things
These links are meant to make you think about the things that affect our world in transport. I hope they do just that.
Views sought on freight strategy for the North (The Planner)
Steering innovation towards the public good, by Pete Buttigieg (Tech Crunch)
European Commission prioritises cycling in latest policy to reduce carbon emissions (Cycling Weekly)
Bolt introduces tandem riding prevention system (Intelligent Transport)
Meeting urban mobility needs through paratransit and informal transport in Asia-Pacific cities (UNESCAP)
Mobility Matters 