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With the world inevitably feeling the effects of climate change, the pressure for finding green transport solutions has never been higher. Transportation is responsible for about one- third of all US emissions. Therefore, sustainable urban transportation is the key to carbon footprint reduction.

Suffolk County is no different- the Massachusetts Bay Transport Authority has committed to upgrading their entire fleet to electric buses in the upcoming decades. The new state-of-the-art Quincy Bus Maintenance Terminal will be fully equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, as well as an in house repair and service facility in order to ensure the longevity of the newly installed smart transportation systems.

The Shift Towards Sustainable Transportation In Suffolk

In Suffolk, where many citizens depend on their cars for getting around, embracing alternative transportation options can have a significant impact on lowering the levels of air pollution. More bus routes also mean more accessibility, therefore better access for citizens without cars or simply having an alternative to driving to work or school. Recent urban transportation alternatives, such as car sharing among citizens, can also have a significant impact on carbon emissions in the area. This initiative is particularly popular amongst college students- it’s an affordable and convenient way to get to university with your friends!

Sustainable mobility solutions, such as cycling, contribute to reduced traffic congestion as well, meaning: the fewer cars on the road, the less traffic jams and the shorter commute and travel times. Suffolk’s cycling infrastructure with dedicated bike lanes makes it easy to get around. Safe cycling lanes help reduce the number of accidents and encourage citizens to cycle. Moreover, bike-sharing programs and apps make bicycles affordable and readily available with just a tap of a finger, without having to actually own a bicycle.

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However, should you wish to socialize and get out and about, an electric car could be an excellent way to do that. We cannot talk about electric transportation solutions and not mention possibly the most promising advancement in sustainable transportation to date- electric vehicles (EVs). Once a futuristic idea in sci-fi movies, now an increasingly popular way of transportation. Looking at the figures, this trend is here to stay. With Suffolk County reporting over thirty- three thousand registered electric vehicles as of late 2024, this figure contributes to a whopping number of over sixty-nine thousand EV’s across Long Island.

Electric Cars: How Suffolk Handles Challenges

This growth in popularity of electric vehicles is partially thanks to one of the county’s green transportation projects: Drive Clean Rebate.  The program offers discounts of up to two thousand dollars, depending on the vehicle. While the popularity of electric cars and an increasing number of their owners is a reason to celebrate, as it means embracing planet-friendly alternatives, such enormous changes require significant transportation infrastructure development.

An emerging trend of “charge anxiety” is a big issue amongst citizens, ever-so-worried, whether their vehicles will make it to the next charging port. Thanks to the use of journey planning apps, specifically designed for EV users, drivers can quickly locate nearby charging ports and breathe a sigh of relief when a low battery sign comes on.  There are also options to charge electric vehicles at home with the County running financial rebate programs for households and individuals from disadvantaged communities.

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This societal shift towards sustainable transportation is more than just a personal choice of an individual. It clearly marks a change in collective approach towards green energy and reflects an understanding of environmental responsibility. More and more people want to take accountability for their everyday choices which reduce carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner air quality. As a result, creating a healthier society.

The change in urban transportation alternatives goes beyond the environmental benefits. The rise of electric vehicles means new employment opportunities in the technology and manufacturing sector, benefiting the local economy. Moreover, electric vehicles are cheaper to operate with reduced fuel prices and less road tax to pay.

What Can We Do?

All of us should be striving to create a healthier planet with better air quality. While not every citizen will own an electric vehicle, there are some simple steps we can all take in order to save on our commute times and participate in carbon footprint reduction.

Here’s what to do:

• Start small- try to walk, cycle or use public transport even for a fraction of your journey a few times a week.
• Plan your journey and use technology: planning ahead, preparing for the weather and knowing when peak hour is can save a lot of time.
• Invest in a monthly saver- this could be an incentive to keep using public transport and save on petrol.
• Check cycling routes- depending on their availability, it could be a great way to get fit and save money on fuel.

While moving towards electric transportation solutions has its challenges, it is obvious that this trend is not leaving Suffolk County any time soon. It marks a significant shift in the approach towards sustainable means of transport in the community. In conclusion, with the county’s rebate initiatives and the community embracing urban transportation alternatives, it is pretty clear that the future of sustainable transportation in Suffolk is green.

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