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How much money can a city save by investing in green transportation?

Bailey Lacheze

Hey there!

The benefits of investing in green transportation at a city level are significant. While the upfront costs may seem steep, in the long run, it saves a good amount of money for the city. There are several ways in which a city can save by investing in green transport.

Firstly, green transportation is known to have a lower carbon footprint. When a city invests in green transport like electric or hybrid buses or trains, it reduces the dependence on fossil fuels which are known to be polluting. This, in turn, helps cities to reduce the amount of money spent on pollution clean-up. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), investing in public transportation can save a city $4.2 billion annually in avoided congestion costs alone.

Secondly, green transport also reduces healthcare costs. According to a Harvard study, air pollution can lead to decreased lung function, aggravated asthma, and even premature death. In fact, air pollution from transportation is the leading environmental cause of premature death in the United States. By investing in green transport, cities can reduce the number of cars on the road, which, in turn, helps in reducing air pollution levels. This, in turn, reduces healthcare costs.

Thirdly, green transport can have indirect cost savings as well. For example, by investing in public transportation, it can help reduce traffic congestion. This, in turn, can reduce the time that people spend stuck in traffic and, in turn, improve productivity levels. Furthermore, public transportation can also help with reducing the need for parking spaces in the city, which can lead to cost savings as well.

To sum it up, the cost savings of green transportation can vary depending on the scale of the investment and the approach taken. Investing in green transportation may seem like a high upfront cost, but in the long run, it can help to save significant amounts of money. With reduced air pollution, reduced congestion, and indirect cost savings, there are multiple ways for cities to reap the benefits of investing in green transportation.

Hope this helps!