Provincial Policies for Achieving Transportation Emission Reduction Targets

It has targets to reduce emissions 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, to reduce light-duty vehicle-kilometres 25% by 2030, and increase walking, bicycling and public transit mode shares to 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2050. [...] For example, most public transit trips include active and micro- mode links, so one of the most effective ways of increasing public transit travel is to improve sidewalks and bicycling networks around transit stops and stations. [...] This suggests that to achieve our transportation targets, and for fairness sake, at least 20% of transportation investments should be devoted to active mode infrastructure and programs, and possibly more to make up for decades of underinvestments. [...] Typical co-benefits include traffic and parking congestion reductions and associated road and parking facility savings, consumer savings and affordability, more independent mobility and improved economic opportunity for non-drivers, increased fairness, public health and traffic safety, reduced pavement area and associated stormwater management savings and reduced heat island effects, noise and loc. [...] Most lower-income and rural residents benefit from improved travel options, and the cost burdens to lower-income and rural residents can be offset by targetted discounts and subsidies.