“Public transport is the main solution to our mobility issues, through multiple and complementary modes,” says Laurane de Gendre, Associate Transport Planner.
Laurane leads WSP’s Planning and Mobility Strategy team and is passionate about public transport, having experience planning, developing and restructuring transport networks in France, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Australia.
She is part of the Zero Emission Transition Plan for Transport Canberra and is currently assisting with the Zero Emission Technology Road Map and Implementation Plan for Transport for NSW.
She says, “Zero emission buses and large fleets is a new field that doesn’t have decades of information to support decision-making which can complicate choosing and committing to a technology.
“The equipment is designed for long-term use, so we need to minimise the risks so that clients can confidently start the transition. This includes looking at future trends and advising and designing with those in mind.
“My team focuses on long term city-shaping transport planning projects with Future ReadyTM strategic thinking supported by data analytics, new and smart mobility, including the transition to zero emission transport.”
Zero emissions vehicles contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases as well as air and noise pollution. These benefits will contribute to making cities more enjoyable to walk and cycle.
“As a cyclist myself, I know how unpleasant it can be to be stuck behind a bus at a traffic light, inhaling the fumes and waiting for it to start again,” says Laurane. “Electric vehicles will erase this problem altogether and make a nicer fit in cities designed for people”. However, the shift to electric will not solve traffic issues in our cities. Making Public Transport attractive and designing safe and direct cycling and walking infrastructure will.
“Public transport takes more cars off the road, but there are many vehicles that are essential contributors to our cities: delivery trucks, council fleets and emergency services. These fleets are critical to the successful management of our cities, and them becoming electric will be a great step towards our net zero future.”
To read more about our work on zero emission vehicles, click here.
