Sustainable Transportation
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Transportation is one of the largest sources of human-made greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions according to the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. The New Mexico Environmental Department estimates that, vehicles account for about 17% of GHG produced in New Mexico. Transportation is a broad topic which includes both the transportation of people and the shipping of goods and materials both into and out of the community.
What's Being Done
- Santa Fe Trails buses use compressed natural gas (CNG) and are equipped with bike racks.
- Various commuter vans and carpool efforts
- Curbside transportation program for seniors and the disabled
- Shuttle services for special events from remote parking
- Local availability of alternative fuels
- Commuter Railrunner (under construction) to operate on B20 fuel with transit hubs.
- Adoption of “Complete Streets” design in city planning
- Ongoing development of the trail network for cyclists and pedestrians
- Review of city vehicle purchases through the newly appointed energy efficiency staff position
- City vehicles replaced over time with high efficiency and alternative fuel vehicles
Actions Included in the Plan
- Establish mechanisms and provide support for initiatives that increase the variety and use of mass transit.
- Prioritize zero emission transportation including walking, bicycling, and Electric Vehicles (EVs) both low speed and high speed. EVs include scooters, motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, golf carts, ATVs, cars and trucks that operate on electricity.
- Establish safe transportation routes for all forms of zero-emission transportation and provide recharging stations for electric vehicles powered by clean, renewable resources.
- Offer free or very inexpensive bicycle and/or EV rental systems.
- Place bike racks throughout the city.
- Expand parking availability and provide opportunities for recharging zero-emission vehicles.
- Continue the design and construction of a comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle trail system throughout the City.
- Improve sidewalk conditions and ensure they meet ADA standards.
- Increase bicycle carrying capacity of Santa Fe Trails buses.
- Encourage carpooling.
- Encourage alternative fuels when they’re shown to produce less GHG than gasoline or diesel and when their production does not negatively impact food production. Where appropriate, encourage their production locally.
- Support the development of businesses including sales and service businesses that use, sell, and/or promote lower, low and no-emission transportation.
- Seek grants and other financial incentive programs to implement various transportation action items, including bicycle, drive andpedestrian safety education.
- Implement “Complete Streets” including retrofitting existing streets where the width of the right-of-way allows.
- Continue and promote theconstruction, installation and implementation of on-road facilities for use by bicyclists as a safe alternative means of transportation including, but not limited to, signage, sharrows, "road diets", bike lanes and similar facilities where appropriate, on new and existing roads and streets, especially where they integrate with public transportation.
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