Airports come in two different kinds, the high-carbon car intensive ones, and the low-carbon low-car ones. Only a few airports have a low-carbon low-car modal ground transport share. Some of these are located further away than the average from the city they serve, some may be exceptionally well served by public transport, and some fall within both categories.
Six zero carbon strategies
Could Heathrow and the other London airports change from high or medium carbon car to low carbon car? Could the great majority of both passengers and staff chose not to travel by car? This article sets out six strategies for Heathrow to initially decrease and eventually turn ground transport at and around the airport to zero carbon. Reducing car use by two-thirds or more, with the remaining cars, taxis, buses and vans to be electric. The six strategies are relevant whether the airport adds a third runway or not.
Modal shares and numbers
The initial four strategies above – the train, tube, tram and E- cycle networks – would together bring 2⁄3 to 3⁄4 of passengers and 2⁄3 to 3⁄4 of staff to and from the airport, seven days a week. This is twice the present public transport share, and three times the present public transport passenger numbers, taking account of a one third growth in staff and passenger numbers at the airport. Leaving one eight to one sixth to arrive by bus, coach or dial-a-E-van. With an equal one eight to one sixth to arrive by taxi, mini-cab or private car subject to the congestion and ULEZ charges.
Afterword
The future of air travel and reduction in carbon emissions are closely linked to the ground transport options and choices to and from airports. Heathrow has an existing comprehensive train and tube system, but the former is underused and the latter overcrowded. This should be reversed. In the interests of the environment and the society at large, nudging passengers to travel carbon free, is in everyone's interests: London's inhabitants, visitors and businesses, as well as the city, regional and national economy included.
- Planning in London
- Heathrow in the post-car urban era (pdf 2p)
