How should the public transport sector transition to renewable energy

For many years, a significant proportion of public transport operations have relied on polluting fossil fuels. However, public transport is an energy- efficient mode of travel and is already partially powered by electricity, positioning the sector as a leading provider of sustainable transport. In order to maintain this leadership role and take its share of the burden of reducing emissions, the sector is currently decarbonising its activities by transitioning to renewable energy sources. This includes the electrification of vehicle fleets (including buses, boats, shared cars and trains) and investing in fleets powered by other alternative energy sources, such as hydrogen or biofuels.

For the sector to achieve this transformation and meet its decarbonisation objectives, it must invest both in new green fleets to ensure that they have access to green and renewable sources of energy; the energy supply for existing fleets and all assets managed by public transport undertakings must not be ignored in striving for CO2 benefits throughout an organisation.

For cities in search of achieving their climate objectives and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), deploying clean public transport fleets supplied with renewables and encouraging a modal shift towards public transport is the key. This deployment can be leveraged for other city services and to support the local economy and energy market while improving health of citizens.

These Action Points offers guidance on how public transport undertakings can achieve a successful energy transition to their decarbonisation goals while unlocking other benefits arising from this energy transition.

Download the Action Points