The Anonymous Widower

Are Cars Greener than Buses?

This question is prompted by a post on the BBC Ethical Man’s blog, which asks that question.

The article should be read in full.

But the real problem is that we travel too much. 

I’ve worked at home since 1972 and in that time I’ve created two major businesses and several worthwhile (well I think they are) software applications.  It doesn’t seemed to have hampered me.  So perhaps we need more incentives and technologies like fast broadband to make working at home easier.  To get any decent broadband speed, I actually use two phone lines and a special balanced router.  But I only get 2Mbs.

Useless!

So would it be better to spend the money on faster broadband for all, rather than transport infrastructure?  If for no other reason, it would certainly be popular with a lot of people.  I don’t think anybody would object and there would be no need for lengthy and costly public enquiries.

I also live on top of a hill and about three or four kilometres from the nearest pub, post office or shop.  I don’t actually cycle to them much, but I should.  But most of our large cities are flat and would be very suitable terrain for two wheels.  We just need to make sure there are proper cycle paths and adequate places to lock a bicycle.

So perhaps under certain circumstances cars are greener than buses and trains, but in many cases there are better alternatives.

November 20, 2009 - Posted by AnonW | Computing, World | Environment, Internet