Transportation and Mobility

Introduction

Getting around and moving things are vital parts of any community facilitating access to employment opportunities, educational institutions, essential services, and social gatherings.  However, traditional transportation systems predominantly rely on fossil fuels, thereby contributing to air pollution and the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). In fact, transportation is responsible for 14% of the world’s GHG emissions. This dependence on fossil fuels also affects our health, leading to problems like respiratory illness and noise pollution. By transitioning to public transportation, promoting cycling and walking, and embracing electric vehicles, communities can significantly reduce transportation emissions while simultaneously enhancing air quality and offering individuals a broader range of travel options (Carbon-Free Regions Handbook).

Albuquerque and the nearby areas can influence how people get around. Local governments can invest in better infrastructure, update zoning codes to promote walking and biking, and create programs to increase access to public transit and other transportation options. The absence of such measures could inadvertently foster disparities within communities, particularly for individuals who rely on transportation options other than a personal vehicle to access employment opportunities, educational institutions, and essential services.

According to the City of Albuquerque’s 2020 Progress Report, only approximately 20% of residents utilized public transit and the City scored 42/100 on its Walk Score (ABQ Progress Report, 2020) reiterating the top three issues regarding transportation identified in the Mid Region Regional Transportation Plan (MRRTP 2022) were:

  1. Improving active transportation and alternative mode options such as walking, biking, and transit;

  2. Increasing safety; and

  3. Accessing transit.

The Central New Mexico emissions inventory determined that the transportation sector was responsible for approximately 46% of the total Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) GHG emissions. In 2023, this amounted to over 4.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The primary contributors to these emissions were cars and off-road vehicles powered by fossil fuels.  This information can be seen in Figures 1 and 2 below. 

With the region’s jobs expected to grow 10% by 2040 (from a 2016 baseline), now is the time to adopt policies and programs that make transportation systems cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable (MRRTP 2022).



This graph displays the total greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors in 2023, measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

  • Transportation: Over 4 million metric tons.

  • Building Energy: 4,304,242 metric tons.

  • Industrial Processes and Product Use: Moderate contributor, shown below Building Energy and Transportation.

  • Waste and Wastewater: 593,835 metric tons.

  • Agriculture: Net reduction of -133,293 metric tons, indicating carbon sequestration.

This graph breaks down transportation-related emissions by specific sources in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

  • On-Road Fossil Fuel Vehicles: Largest source at 3,467,905 metric tons.

  • Off-Road Vehicles: 632,397 metric tons.

  • Aviation: 282,105 metric tons.

  • Railways: 242,852 metric tons.

  • Public Transit: 24,002 metric tons.

  • On-Road Electric Vehicles: 10,650 metric tons.

Bright spots

  • Despite the City’s low rate of public transit riders, it ranks second out of six peer communities in this area, and also ranks second out of six peer communities in its Walk Score. 

  • New Mexico’s 2015 Regional Transportation Plan outlines a strategic roadmap to improve transportation in the region, and considers both environmental and socioeconomic outcomes. 

What you can do

Here are some ways you can help lower emissions from transportation:

  • Avoid driving your fossil-fuel car:

    • Walk, run, bike, or roll to get around.

    • Use public transit.

    • When your car is ready for an upgrade, buy electric.

  • Reduce vehicle trips needed:

    • Combine your errands into fewer trips.

    • Chat with your employer to see if you can work remotely for one or two days per week.

    • Carpool with a friend or co-worker whenever possible.

  • Advocate for major entities to:

    • Reduce the size of their vehicle fleet.

    • Electrify their fleet.

    • Install EV chargers.

    • Improve active and public transportation access.