Is public transportation really greener?

[tandy]

I've often wondered if the pollution put out by a big city bus is really so much less than people carpooling. They put out far more smoke from their exhausts than typical cars. Does anyone know the statistics on this?

[Marlo]

I don't have or know where to find the actual statistics on this but I'm sure that buses are not that much worse than cars. Just imagine if those buses weren't on the streets how many people would drive their cars.

[livinglight]

I have to wonder the same thing, though. In my area, I often see buses that only have 2-3 people on them. That can't be saving much on air pollution and fossil fuel emissions. In the city, where they'll be filled, then I think it's great but not so sure when you get further out.

[Quincy]

Well, that's the thing with such decisions. Public transportation in cities has more than obvious benefits. But on the other hand you can't just deprive of transportation people that don't live in super urban areas. It's hard making right decisions.

[Bunny]

I hope someday the government will implement buses that run on battery. This will surely cut off the smoke emitted into the air. Or maybe someday we will have a solar-powered bus.

[Gordoness]

Imagine how large those batteries would have to be and how long they will last. Personally I don't think there would be such a transportation. But I do think that future lies in smaller personal green friendly vehicles.

[Campanitas]

In some states, public transportation is not the eco-friendly solution everybody hopes for. In a lot of places, the buses are old and the black smog it disperses all over town are very damaging.

[GoOrganic]

I've been behind city buses and seen that black smoke that comes out every time they take off from stopping. I would think that would be very unfriendly to the environment. It's really hard to know what would be the most eco-friendly and create less pollution because emissions are determined by so many factors.

[HippieGirl]

Originally Posted by GoOrganic

I've been behind city buses and seen that black smoke that comes out every time they take off from stopping. I would think that would be very unfriendly to the environment. It's really hard to know what would be the most eco-friendly and create less pollution because emissions are determined by so many factors.

This is true, but I still think that one smoky bus is better for the environment than 25 or more cars. It is less eco-friendly when you have few riders, though.

[Casey]

Now that you guys bring up the point of public transportation, I have to wonder too if city buses are really a green way to travel. They have the worst smoke that comes out of it, that even when I am in my car I gag and have to get away from the bus.

Seems like subways and trains don't let out as much exhaust, but unfortunately where I live, they can only get you to very few places and I have to drive far just to get to a train station.