Automotive Experiences

Vol. 6 No.1 (2023) pp. 1-3

p-ISSN: 2615-6202 e-ISSN: 2615-6636

Sustainable Transport: The Role of Clean Energy, Mass Rapid Transit,

Non-motorized Mobility, and Challenges to Achievement
Muji Setiyo
Department of Automotive Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang, 56172, Indonesia
[email protected]

https://doi.org/10.31603/ae.9108

Published by Automotive Laboratory of Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang collaboration with Association of Indonesian Vocational Educators (AIVE)

Abstract
Article Info Sustainable transport is an important concept to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to
Published: realize a cleaner and more sustainable future. This is achieved through the use of clean energy,
30/04/2023 low emission vehicles, efficient use of resources, and transportation planning that considers
the needs of the environment and society. Therefore, the use of clean and renewable energy
sources, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), and non-motorized mobility continues to be encouraged
to support a sustainable transportation system. However, there are several challenges that
must be overcome to achieve a truly sustainable transport system, including the costs of
switching to low emission and clean energy vehicles, the lack of infrastructure to support
sustainable transport, and the need for public awareness and education about the benefits of
sustainable transport.
Keywords: Sustainable transport; MRT; Biofuel; Clean energy; Non-motorized mobility

1. Introduction create a transportation system that is accessible,

Transportation is a part of life that allows affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly.
people and goods to move quickly and efficiently.
However, transportation growth has come at a 2. Principles of Sustainable Transport
price with environmental degradation, air Sustainable transport is intended for the
pollution, and climate change [1]–[3]. A sizable mobility of people and goods while reducing
portion of the greenhouse gas emissions that environmental impact. This is achieved through
contribute significantly to climate change are transportation system planning that considers the
caused by the transportation sector. As the globe environment and the needs of the community,
works to lessen its reliance on fossil fuels and including the use of clean energy, low emission
move toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, vehicles, and efficient use of resources. [5]–[7].
the issue of sustainable transportation is becoming There are several key principles of sustainable
more and more significant today. transport, as presented in Figure 1.
The concept of sustainable transport refers to a
transportation system designed to meet the needs 3. The Role of Clean Energy
of present and future generations without Electric Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Hybrid
compromising the ability of future generations to Electric Vehicles (HEVs) are examples of clean
meet their own needs. More specifically, energy applications. EVs are completely powered
sustainable transport refers to the use of transport by electricity, which can be generated from
modes and systems that minimize negative renewable sources, such as hydro, solar, wind and
environmental, social, and economic impacts all renewable energy sources that produce
while meeting individual and societal needs [4]. electricity. Meanwhile, the HEVs combines an
Therefore, the goal of sustainable transport is to internal combustion engine with an electric motor

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0

International License.
Automotive Experiences 1
 © Muji Setiyo

Figure 1. Key principles of sustainable transport

to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. sustainable development, the MRT system should
Apart from EV and HEV, Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCVs) be improved and expanded.
is also a candidate for a clean and low emission
propulsion system to support a sustainable 5. The Role of Non-motorized Mobility
transportation system [8]. Biofuels are also a very Non-motorized mobility, such as the use of
important part of a sustainable transportation bicycles, walking, and rollerblading, also
system development project. Biofuels can be contributes greatly to promoting sustainable
produced from plants, such as corn, sugarcane, transport. They are environmentally friendly, as
and other plants that contain oil or cellulose, both they produce no emissions and require no fuel,
edible and inedible plants [9]. There are several reducing carbon footprints, and improving air
types of biofuels, including ethanol, biodiesel, and quality. They are environmentally friendly since
biogas. Ethanol is generally made from corn or they emit no pollutants, hence lowering carbon
sugar cane and can be used as a mono or blended footprints and improving air quality. They are
fuel with gasoline in spark ignition (S.I.) engines. inexpensive and convenient, especially in densely
Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil or animal fat populated places, and assist to minimize traffic
and is used in compresses ignition (C.I.) engines, congestion and associated social and economic
as mono or blended fuel with diesel. Biogas is consequences [11]. Non-motorized transportation
produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic encourages physical exercise, improves public
matter for S.I. and C.I engines. health outcomes, and lowers healthcare
expenditures. As a result, encouraging and
4. The Role of Mass Rapid Transit investing in non-motorized mobility
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) plays an infrastructure can result in more sustainable
important role in promoting sustainable transportation systems that benefit both humans
transportation by offering a more efficient, and the environment.
affordable, and environmentally friendly
alternative to using private cars. MRT systems, 6. Challenges to Achieving
such as the subway, light rail, and commuter rail, Despite the benefits of sustainable transport,
can transport large numbers of people quickly and there are several challenges that must be
safely, reducing traffic congestion and air overcome to achieve a truly sustainable transport
pollution [10]. The MRT also aids in lowering system. The cost of switching from conventional
energy consumption and greenhouse gas oil-based energy to clean energy and low emission
emissions as well as increasing accessibility and vehicles is a major challenge for many countries.
mobility for people without cars, fostering Today's EVs, HEVs, and FCVs are generally still
fairness and social inclusion. In order to combat more expensive than gasoline-powered vehicles.
the negative effects of urbanization and support However, as technology continues to develop, the

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