Public transportation, like buses and trains, is one of the best ways to reduce personal carbon emissions while traveling. However, these modes of transport can also be wasteful in their energy use. Here are some ways to reduce energy waste on public transportation.
Use Public Transportation During Off-Peak Hours
One strategy to reduce energy waste on public transportation is to try and use it during off-peak hours. Rush hour can be one of the busiest and most energy-intensive times for public transportation systems. By traveling outside of these times, you can help reduce the demand on public transportation systems and, as a result, reduce wasted energy.
Plan Your Trips
Planning your trips by using digital tools like transit apps or websites can help reduce energy waste. By knowing which routes have the most stops or the most traffic, you can choose more efficient routes with fewer stops or less congestion. This will not only save time, but also reduce the overall energy consumption of the vehicle.
Carpooling
Another way to reduce energy waste when using public transportation is carpooling. If you can share a ride to a bus stop or train station, you will be reducing the number of cars on the road and therefore the amount of fuel needed for transportation. This not only reduces energy waste but also reduces traffic congestion and air pollution.
Situate Yourself Strategically on the Transit
If you are using public transportation, try to situate yourself strategically to minimize energy waste. This can mean sitting in a seat near the front of the vehicle so that you can get off faster, or sitting near a door to reduce the time it takes for you to exit and enter the vehicle. Additionally, you can try to sit near windows or vents to take advantage of natural air flow and reduce the need for climate control systems.
Raise The Temperature
During the winter months, raising the temperature on the train or bus can help reduce energy waste. Many people bundle up for the cold weather and do not require a heated train or bus. By raising the temperature slightly, you can still keep everyone comfortable while reducing the amount of energy required to heat the vehicle.
Turn Off Electronics
Many people tend to forget about the electronics they use while using public transportation, leading to energy waste. Turning off your phone or tablet, for example, can save energy. If you are listening to music or watching a video, use a pair of headphones to minimize the need for the volume to be turned up, conserving energy.
Use Efficient Lighting
Efficient lighting is another way to save energy while using public transportation. Installing LED or fluorescent lights in public transportation can help reduce energy waste and improve visibility for passengers. These lights use less energy and have a longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Conclusion
Public transportation is a fantastic way to reduce personal carbon emissions while traveling, but it can also be wasteful in its energy use. By taking some of these strategies into account while using public transportation, we can reduce energy waste and make public transportation more efficient. Making our collective travel experience more environmentally friendly is important for the planet, our health, and future generations.