Sustainable Transport
With the population of the world slowly
rising, the number of vehicles using the
roads increases.
Words by Abigail Tapp
The increase in people driving is increasing pollution and has a significant negative impact on the environment. It’s time we startedlooking at some alternative transport options.
Fortunately, some people have already started to do what they can to reduce their carbon footprint. Travel apps, for example, have been on the rise in the last few years. Most of us haven used apps like Uber and Ola Cabs. These apps provide a way for people to travel safely and without hassle, especially when you’re out late enough that no buses are running, or you’ve had too much to drink. But there are always other options you could explore. DiDi and Bolt (formerly Taxify) are cheaper options, with DiDi providing customers with four $5 vouchers to redeem upon registration. And of course, everyone who identifies as female needs to be made aware of Shebah – an all-women network of drivers and riders. Not to mention, Shebah is also the only legal rideshare for children to ride alone in because every driver has a Working with Children’s Check.
If you own a car but are concerned about the environment (and your bank account), you can register on BlaBlaCar. It’s a carpooling app that helps connect drivers and passengers who are travelling between cities and are willing to travel together and share the cost of the journey.
None of these options look like they’re for you? It’s okay, you can still do your part for the environment. Maybe some of your neighbours work close to where you do. See if they’re up for it and start your own carpool. You’re going to make the trip anyway, so you might as well have some company on the ride and share the cost of petrol. However you slice it, the amount each person spends on petrol for the ride will be reduced. Or you could simply start taking the train or the bus. You won’t have to deal with traffic and you could catch a nice nap too!
In the end, there are lots of ways we could be helping to save our planet. We just have to be willing to make the change and maybe step a little outside our comfort zone.