How can Cork City’s transport systems be improved to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the city and region? How important are the delivery of measures set out in Corks Metropolitan Area Transportation Strategy in achieving this?
Ensure that measures are taken to encourage greener modes of transport and discourage polluting modes. Active travel (walking and cycling) can be encouraged by significantly expanding the walking and cycling infrastructure in the city e.g. fully segregated cycle lanes on busy routes will encourage people to switch to bicycle use for commuting.
CMATS envisages the commuter rail network being a key driver of a move towards sustainable transport in the city. The electrification of the rail network in Cork’s commuter areas is vital both to reduce emissions and to increase its usage, thereby reducing car use. There should be a move towards hybrid buses. E-bikes, e-scooters and other innovative modes of personal transport are also vital for achieving reduced emissions
At the same time as incentivising active and public transport options, there must also be measures to discourage car use. On street car parking and surface level car parks should be reduced in certain central areas. This coupled with increased park and ride options outside the city centre will lead to less people driving cars into the city centre itself. Heavy goods vehicles should be banned from the city centre.
Many of the points I have mentioned align with the objectives of CMATS but the delivery of objectives is key.