Shared transport: Reducing energy demand and enhancing transport options for residents of small towns

New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions profile is somewhat different from many highly urbanised countries. Just under half of greenhouse gas emissions are associated with agriculture, with much less from transport. However, transport-related greenhouse gas emissions have increased rapidly and at a faster rate than most other sources since 1990. The challenge for New Zealand (and many other countries) is to promote forms of transport which do not contribute to that increase, whilst at the same time ensuring that the residents outside main urban centres have access to employment, education, health, business and other services that may be at some distance. Research into travel by residents of small towns in New Zealand suggests flexible shared transport has considerable potential to enhance the social and economic well-being of the population in small towns and cities. It can enable residents to travel to larger regional centres for necessary services at the same whilst reducing the energy use associated with single occupant vehicles. New digital platforms offer scope for flexible shared transport to overcome the barriers faced by many public transport providers. Therefore, transport policy-makers and planners need to see flexible transport as a key element in a low carbon, socially and economically inclusive transport system, and actively support its expansion.