GREEN MAP
Mobility:
- Evaluation
Evaluation of WinSmart:
For the money spent, the WinSmart program does not appear to be an ideal program for the reduction of transportation related GHG emissions. Originally, WinSmart was intended to include a Bus Rapid Transit initiative that would see the first leg of a BRT route constructed along the Pembina Corridor. Reducing vehicle dependence is one of the most important sustainability-related initiatives that cities can undertake (Kenworthy, 2006). Kenworthy points out, though, that if citizens are to rely significantly less on their cars, it has to be for something that will get them to where they want to go equally as fast or faster. The recommended way to accomplish this is through light rail public transit systems. In the Winnipeg context, the BRT system was chosen over other options (RTTF, 2005). The effectiveness of a BRT system on reducing automobile usage depends on whether or not there is a dedicated bus lane. The presence of such a lane increases the average travel speed of buses to 27km/h, nearly rivalling the average speed of many LRT systems (RTTF, 2005). Unfortunately, implementation of the BRT system in Winnipeg has been delayed and was not included in the WinSmart initiative.
Of the WinSmart initiatives undertaken, the most effective in achieving GHG emission reductions will likely be the Active Transportation Path. Kenworthy, a prominent academic in the field, notes that cycling and walking are the two most sustainable modes of transportation (Kenworthy, 2006). Unfortunately, the Winnipeg‘s extreme weather conditions may reduce the effectiveness of this service. For instance, during the winter, sidewalks are not cleared often, resulting in poor cycling conditions. Compared with Vancouver, a city that remains snow and ice free for most of each year, conditions for cycling and walking long distances in Winnipeg are only ideal during the spring and summer months. That is not to say that the ATP will not be effective; but, in my opinion, if the goal is to reduce reliance on automobiles, and in turn reduce GHG emissions, this initiative will have only a limited impact.
The other initiatives included in the WinSmart program will help improve existing bus service and will help make trucking more efficient; however, their real impact on GHG emissions will be relatively small. For example, the bio-diesel filling station is a positive initiative, but the point at which it will be an effective alternative to gasoline is far in the future. The costs to change infrastructure are too great to expect this initiative to have a significant impact on GHG reduction in Winnipeg (Natural Resources Canada, 2006).
