Considering Different Modes Of Transport

According to the US Census Bureau 61% of Americans can drive. That puts a lot of vehicles onto the road each year. It’s no wonder than the last 50 years, annual mileage has tripled from 587 million miles to over 1.6 billion. Considering other modes of transport is therefore sensible and increasingly necessary.

Whether you live in a small town or a city, most forms of public transport are accessible. There are advantages and disadvantages to all modes of transport and there are monetary and environmental costs to consider. For both of these reasons public transport is becoming ever more popular.

Today people are traveling further than ever before. In the USA passenger car mileage has tripled in the past 50 years from 587 million miles a year in 1960 to 1.6 billion today. A lot of this mileage is taken up by people going to and from work, even though there are many alternatives for commuters. More trains and buses are put on for the busy periods before work and when people normally leave for home. Bus stops and train stations are found in all major towns and cities.

Streetcars are another form of public transport. They were popular in Britain, Canada and America until the middle of the 20th century. Half a century ago the tracks were torn up or covered over but since the 1980s streetcars have experienced a resurgence in popularity throughout America. Places like Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and San Francisco have rebuilt their streetcar systems to meet this demand.

In Europe they are called light railways or trams. In some parts of the continent they have remained popular since their inception. In Italian cities like Turin and Rome they have been running non-stop since the late 19th century, which is also the case in the Swedish city of Stockholm. And cities like London, Berlin and Athens have built new machines and tracks to meet the increased demand.

Streetcars are becoming popular because they are cheap and better for the environment than a lot of their competitors. This can also be said of buses and trains. But not every mode of public transport has the same environmental impact. When taking a short journey of 20 miles or less the train produces 7 lbs of CO2 whilst buses produce more than double that amount.

In stark contrast to public transport is personal transportation. Cars, trucks and motorbikes offer door to door journeys but have a greater affect on the planet. Using a bicycle is the most environmentally friendly method but it’s impractical for icy, windy or wet conditions.

Get more info on the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of transport now in our guide to the benefits of roofracks and all you need to know about how and where to find cheap roof racks

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