Serious air pollution is a common problem in stations around Australia and the world. But solutions already exist, and some can be applied immediately to protect station staff and commuters.
Both major parties are promising major road projects this election. Meanwhile, the potential for passenger and freight rail to help meet the country’s climate goals seems stuck at the station.
By the end of the 19th century, railways were being used by millions across India.
Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
Ritika Prasad, University of North Carolina – Charlotte
A deadly crash in India that claimed the lives of around 300 people has refocused international attention on the importance of railways in the country.
Indianapolis debuted a bus rapid transit system with 60-foot articulated electric buses in 2019.
Momoneymoproblemz/Wikipedia
High-quality bus service is the fastest route to rapid, comprehensive public transit in the United States. This country was once a leader in bus transit, and with adequate funding, it could be again.
Smoke rises from railway cars that were carrying crude oil after derailing in Lac-Mégantic, Que., in 2013.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
The recent rail accident in Ohio is raising questions about who should be responsible for the aftermath of derailments. Residents impacted by a 10-year-old rail tragedy in Canada still want answers.
A trooper checks the tire of a truck carrying flammable contents during a random hazmat checkpoint in Colorado.
Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is looking into new rules for trains. Trucks, however, are involved in thousands more hazmat incidents every year in the US.
Truck drivers, clearing agents and activists protest over job losses in Mombasa, Kenya.
Stringer/AFP via Getty Images
The pandemic has forced many people to shift from public transport to car travel. But is this likely to be permanent?
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance announces a move to the next stage of planning for the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link project in November 2019.
Dean Lewins/AAP
Once again, the state looks intent on pressing ahead with a huge road project without releasing a business case. Among the many concerns is the failure to look at lower-emission alternatives.
Federal Labor and the party’s current leader, Anthony Albanese, have been advocating high-speed rail since they were last in government.
Lukas Coch/AAP
The federal opposition’s idea for a bullet train from Melbourne to Brisbane is not a good use of a generation’s worth of infrastructure spending. It won’t even work as an economic stimulus.
A Bombardier sign welcomes travellers to Berlin Central Station, where Bombardier’s rail division headquarters are located. Canada’s failure to invest in rail infrastructure has hurt Bombardier.
(Wikimedia)
Building infrastructure takes time. To develop sustainable transportation, Canada needs to invest in high-quality infrastructure that will enable us to make environmentally friendly travel choices.
Passengers disembark high speed trains at London’s St. Pancras International station in London, UK.
EPA/Andy Rain