Evaluating the greenhouse gas emission reduction benefits from land transport mode shift programmes and projects: a research note

This report outlines the findings of an international scan of literature and land transport programmes that have measured outcomes translatable into greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction. The research sought to answer the question of whether any programmes had measured such data and, if so, what the outcomes were. MRCagney was commissioned by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to undertake this research to contribute to mode shift plans in New Zealand cities, support the Sustainable Urban Access workstream in Toitu Te Taiao – the Waka Kotahi sustainability action plan – and inform the development of environmental impact modelling for land transport in New Zealand. This report outlines 16 case studies of programmes that were identified by the international scan. To be included as case studies, programmes were required to have tangible measured outcomes relating to their effect on either emissions or amount of vehicle travel. The exception to this is the inclusion of a peer reviewed meta-analysis of ‘soft’ travel behaviour change, used as an indication of the need for more research in this area. The case studies provide an indication of the types of approaches possible when considering how GHG emissions reduction could be measured, with a general review of the outcomes that have been measured. This piece of work should be considered as a preliminary scan of such evidence. Due to the limited timeframe and scope of this research, it is was not possible to provide in-depth detail about each programme type. Priority was given to reviewing a range of intervention types and methods. This work identifies some additional relevant programmes and areas of research that could be investigated to further the knowledge base.

• Record URL:
  https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/research/notes/004
• Corporate Authors:

  New Zealand Transport Agency

  Private Bag 6995, Wellington 6141, New Zealand
  Wellington,    
• Authors:
  • Thorwaldson, L
  • Thomas, F
  • Carran-Fletcher, A
• Publication Date: 2021-3

Media Info

• Pagination: 106p
• Serial:
  • Issue Number: 004

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air quality management; Case studies; Literature reviews; Measurement; Modal shift; Mode choice; Research; Sustainable transportation; Vehicle miles of travel
• Uncontrolled Terms: Sustainable transport
• Geographic Terms: New Zealand
• ATRI Terms: Case study; Emissions control; Literature review; Measurement; Modal shift; Research needs; Sustainable transport; Vehicle kilometre
• ITRD Terms: 8531: Case study; 292: Vehicle mile
• Subject Areas: Research; I15: Environment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01771277
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB Group Limited
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: May 7 2021 10:08AM