HabeebYousefRN2

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US 130 RN 2 - The Innovators and Motivators in the Transition to Sustainable Transportation Habeeb 1 Yousef Habeeb Professor Kocs US130 10/08/2023 US 130 RN 2 - The Innovators and Motivators in the Transition to Sustainable Transportation The development of transportation has paralleled the advancement of civilization. Each stage in the development of transportation, from crude carts to the sophisticated automobiles of today, has been a reflection of society demands and technological developments (Smith, 2010). The need for sustainable alternatives is not simply an abstract idea, but rather a lived reality for most. This essay dives into the innovators and motivators who are pushing this cause. The supremacy of the vehicle was ushered in by the industrial revolution, a time of quick technological and social development (Jones, 2015). These innovative and forward-thinking symbols of progress quickly spread across society. However, they have significantly damaged the ecology. Nearly 30% of the nation's greenhouse gas
US 130 RN 2 - The Innovators and Motivators in the Transition to Sustainable Transportation Habeeb 2 emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), come from gas-powered automobiles (EPA, 2020). This sobering number highlights the need for viable alternatives. Fortunately, the story is changing. The once-futuristic electric cars (EVs) are now a common sight on our roadways. This transformation has been led by businesses like Tesla. Wilson (2018) emphasized that Tesla's strategy for EVs has not only made them technologically superior but also appealing to the average consumer. We can see how simple and straightforward the Tesla battery is as shown in Figure 1 and this can only add to the sustainability aspect. In addition to private vehicles, public transportation is experiencing a revival. Tokyo's public transportation system is frequently praised as an example of efficiency and use, and cities all over the world are investing in robust, effective networks (Tanaka, 2020). A larger rethinking of mobility is also indicated by the rise of bicycle sharing schemes and pedestrian-friendly metropolitan areas. Elon Musk's idea for Tesla has changed the game by making EVs more appealing and affordable. Beyond automobiles, new technologies like the Hyperloop and maglev trains are reimagining the promise of public transportation (See figure 2 for what the future using HyperLoop could look like.) Local projects all across the world are offering
US 130 RN 2 - The Innovators and Motivators in the Transition to Sustainable Transportation Habeeb 3 innovative, environmentally friendly transportation options that are suited to local requirements (Harris, 2019). The cutting edge of EV innovation is battery technology. Numerous present restrictions should be addressed by advances in energy density, quick charging, and prolonged longevity (Brown, 2021). Predictive maintenance and AI-driven traffic management are improving efficiency and user experience in public transit. Additionally, green infrastructure efforts are bridging the gap between transportation and environmental conservation, such as solar roadways and vertical gardens on transportation hubs (Green, 2017). The way ahead, nevertheless, is not without controversy. There are concerns regarding the effects of EV battery manufacturing and disposal on the environment (Green, 2017). Safety and ethical concerns are at the center of the ongoing discussion of fully autonomous versus human-driven vehicles (Roberts, 2021). Hybrids provide a compromise, but are they a temporary fix or a long-term replacement? Manufacturers and customers are being pushed toward greener options by government regulations including tax incentives for EV buyers and urban planning initiatives (EPA, 2019). Automakers are being forced to innovate as a result of stricter pollution rules. This transformation is also fueled by historical changes in transportation, societal preferences, and shifting cultural perspectives. The transportation scene is changing as a result of urbanization trends, the rise of shared mobility, and a decline in the importance of car ownership (Smith, 2010). As a result of environmental and health concerns, cities like Copenhagen have changed their streets to promote bicycle traffic (Larsen, 2016). Tokyo's public transportation system is an
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