Transportation is an essential part of urban design and in creating livable cities. There are a number of beneficial forms of green transportation that support and enhance walkable urbanism. These green transportation options make our lives easier, reduce congestion, reduce our dependence on cars and oil, are safer and less costly, help save the planet... and make life more fun!
The greenest and most sustainable forms of transportation are trains, bicycles, and walking. Some of the world's best and fastest trains have been in operation for more than 25 years in Europe, and more than 40 years in Japan. These include futuristic high-speed trains like the Eurostar, the French TGV, the Japanese bullet train; and also regional trains, monorails, light rail, trams, trolleys, streetcars, and peoplemovers. Clean electric trains are a major form of daily transportation in numerous countries, and are the single most powerful transportation choice that can solve serious mobility, energy, environmental, economic, health, and social problems on a global scale.
Monte Carlo Train Station
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Click to view national high speed rail plan
Bicycles are a major form of daily transportation in many countries. They are the most sustainable form of transport, are the least expensive to use, are pollution-free, take up the smallest amount of space for riding and parking, and provide daily exercise for riders. Towns and cities have to be made bicycle-friendly to encourage their wide use.
