90% of people surveyed would swap short car journey for walking, cycling, or public transport
67% would cut back on car usage if confidence in public transport improves
People Before Profit TD Bríd Smith has said that data from RED C in a report commissioned by the Department of Transport shows that the government should invest in free, frequent, and green public transport.
The data shows that 60% of people surveyed are willing to change how they travel to reduce carbon emissions; 90% of people surveyed would swap car for short journey for walking, cycling or public transport; and 67% would cut back on car usage if confidence in public transport improves.
Commenting on the data, Bríd Smith TD said: “This report from the Department of Transport and RED C provides very welcome data as it shows that a majority of people want to get out of their cars in order to reduce emissions; 90% of people would swap the car for walking, cycling or public transport; and 67% would take public transport if they felt it would be reliable.
“This data shows clearly that the government should invest what is needed in Budget 2024 to bring in free, frequent, and green public transport. People are telling the government that they want to get out of their cars and participate in the green transition. They want to have confidence in the public transport system. The government need to take heed of this data and make an epoch defining investment in free, frequent, and green train and bus system, along with walking and cycling infrastructure, so that people can play their part in the transition to a sustainable economy where emissions and congestion are reduced.”
