How Modernizing Public Transport Can Save Money and the Planet
Ditching cars for efficient public transport can save Mexicans money and emissions. Study says current car dependence burdens the poorest and pollutes cities. Investing in modernized public transit and reducing fuel subsidies could be key to a sustainable future for Mexico.
Mexico's sprawling cities, choked with traffic and pollution, offer a stark reminder of the need for sustainable transportation solutions. A new study from UNAM's Faculty of Economics proposes a radical shift: prioritizing public transport and rethinking car ownership to align with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The research, led by Luis Miguel Galindo, Karina Caballero Güendulain, and Luis Fernando González Martínez, sheds light on a hidden cost of car-centric cities: their disproportionate burden on household budgets. Analyzing data from the National Household Income and Expenditure Survey, they found that 25% of Mexicans' spending goes towards “public services” like electricity, water, and transportation. Notably, for the poorest 10%, transportation alone swallows 4.7% of their income, making access to other necessities a struggle.
“There's a misconception that reducing emissions requires sacrifices from everyone,” argues González Martínez. “But focusing on car ownership, especially for wealthier families, can make a significant difference without hurting people's pockets.”
The researchers envision a scenario where replacing 10% of car trips with public transport could result in 10-20% savings in transportation expenses across all income groups. This, they argue, would ease the transition to a low-carbon economy while freeing up resources for other necessities.
But Mexico currently faces a major obstacle: a cultural preference for private vehicles. As incomes rise, so does car ownership, leading to more accidents and emissions. This trend runs counter to developed nations where high-quality public transport keeps people out of their cars.
The researchers propose a multi-pronged approach to curb car use and boost public transport:
- Improved service: Modernize and expand public transportation networks, making them reliable, efficient, and accessible. Trolleys and cable cars are excellent examples of clean and efficient urban mobility solutions.
- Targeted pricing: Reduce costs for public transport while gradually removing fuel subsidies, effectively shifting the burden from low-income households to wealthier car owners.
- Urban planning: Prioritize pedestrian-friendly environments and integrate public transport seamlessly into city planning.
“The idea isn't to punish car owners,” clarifies González Martínez. “It's about offering attractive alternatives. When public transport is clean, convenient, and affordable, people will naturally choose it. That's how we can build a healthier, more sustainable future for Mexico.”
Mexico's transition to sustainable progress hinges on rethinking its relationship with cars. By making public transport the heart of its urban mobility, Mexico can not only achieve its emission reduction goals but also free its citizens from the financial burden of car ownership. This is a road less traveled, but one that promises a greener, cleaner, and more equitable future for all.
