Author(s)

R.A. Coffey & M.V. Lowson

Abstract

This study compares transport systems with respect to their energy consumption and airborne emissions. Both of these characteristics have been quantified with respect to the distance travelled by users at current occupancy rates. The study concludes that the petrol fuelled car equipped with a three- way catalytic converter currently offers the least overall impact upon the urban environment when compared with the diesel car, train and possibly bus. However, should these vehicles adopt the use of certain emissions reduction technologies this situation is likely to change. Electric forms of transport offer improved characteristics in the urban area and incur lower quantities of 'greenhouse' gases. Nevertheless, the problem of high sulphur dioxide emissions will remain for the foreseeable future. The Personal Ra

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