Choose public transport over driving
We love public transport. It gets us home from the pub after one too many pints, we can read a book, use our phones or even have a conversation while we travel, and it’s a great low-carbon alternative to driving.
Life’s a journey. Replace a few weekly car trips with a train or bus for the next two months and enjoy the ride..
Climate change
A whopping 19% of the average UK person’s carbon footprint comes from car travel.1 Just think of all the CO2 you could save if that trip to the gym or visit to your parents involved hopping on the bus or train - instead of behind the wheel.
60%
Congestion and air pollution
A heavy traffic jam is every driver’s nemesis. Nobody likes to be stuck in traffic, particularly if you’ve got somewhere to be or - even worse - it’s hot and sunny outside. But with traffic on UK roads more than doubling in the last 30 years, congestion is on the up. This costs the economy billions of pounds each year2 and seriously affects people’s health.
Now, we’re not saying you won’t get stuck in traffic (or on a busy train) if you’re travelling by public transport - but removing more cars from the road will certainly help solve the problem.
Health
One of the problems with the car is that it’s TOO convenient - it requires very little physical movement to get from place to place. In contrast, the short walk you’ll probably need to take from your home to the bus stop or train station (and at the other end of your journey), is a brilliant way to build regular exercise into your routine. In fact, taking the bus can help you achieve half your daily recommended exercise.3
And here’s another bonus: bus travel can be a third less stressful than driving3 - which of course has long and short term benefits for your mental, emotional and physical health.4
Money
Given that most of us have to buy a ticket to use public transport, you’re probably wondering why we’ve included ‘saving money’ as a key reason for taking the bus or train. Yes, public transport costs money, but so does driving. The difference is: you pay for the bus at ‘point of sale’, while you pay for your car in larger and irregular ‘lump sums’. So it feels very different.
In just owning a car, you have to fork out for vehicle tax, MOTs and any garage fees. On top of that, there’s the regular cost of filling up the tank, parking charges, congestion charges… and the horror of speeding or parking fines.
Time to read and reflect
In today’s busy world, finding time to read or listen to music can feel like an impossible task. Public transport provides the perfect opportunity to get started on that book you’ve been meaning to read for ages, keep up with that brain training app you never have time for, or just catch up on your beauty sleep. Not that you need it.
51%
Global Goals
In September 2017, an historic agreement was signed by UN member nations agreeing to work towards 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development by 2030, otherwise known as the SDGs.
Achieving these ambitious goals will require action from governments, businesses, NGOs, and individuals alike. We can - and must - all play our part.
By making the 'Go public' pledge, you are contributing to the following SDG targets:
3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination
11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons
11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
Success Stories
629
Pledges
in total
33,003kg
CO2
pledged