Photo: Rob Kruyt



Vancouver comes in third place among 23 North American cities in terms of overall urban transportation system sustainability, according to a new Arcadis study released October 29.

The city scored well in terms of system maintenance, air pollution and incentives to promote the use of electric vehicles. It also takes first place in terms of profit for transit sustainability, which Arcadis said was boosted by a high rate of public transit use per capita.

That’s not to say the city’s transit system could not be improved, according to the study. The city has a relatively low rate of those who choose to bike or walk. As well, the transit system is limited very early or late in the day.

North American cities in general score poorly in terms of sustainability compared with those in Europe. The number one city in the world was found to be Hong Kong, followed by Zurich and Paris. Vancouver comes in at number 28 worldwide. No North American cities made it into the top 20.

The study, conducted by London’s Centre for Economics and Business Research, measured the social, environmental and economic aspects of transportation systems around the world. It considered commuting travel time, affordability of public transit, pollution and payment capabilities.

To view the complete study, click here.

ecrawford@biv.com

@EmmaHampelBIV