Article: Save the planet: make a V/Line for the train

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From The Melbourne Age click here!

Save the planet: make a V/Line for the train

Save the planet: make a V/Line for the train

Date: June 17 2008

Clay Lucas

ANALYSIS of emissions from Australia's most popular motor vehicles and from public transport has shown the Hummer to be the most polluting, closely followed by the popular Ford Territory.

The research, by the Public Transport Users Association based on the Federal Government's Green Vehicle Guide, showed that diesel trains, such as those run by V/Line, were the least polluting form of transport per person per kilometre.

These trains emitted eight grams of carbon dioxide equivalents per person per kilometre, compared with 270 grams from a Hummer and 245 grams from a Ford Territory.

The Toyota Prius ? which uses 4.4 litres of petrol per 100 kilometres compared with the Territory's 12.5 litres ? was the best performing car, emitting 87 grams of carbon dioxide per passenger per kilometre. The proposed Camry hybrid to be produced in Australia would emit 115 grams.

PTUA president Daniel Bowen said the analysis showed state and federal governments needed to do more to fund public transport initiatives to help families hit by rising petrol prices.

"Providing better public transport, running frequently across all suburbs, would help more families to cut their driving, not only protecting them from future petrol price rises, but cutting emissions as well," Mr Bowen said.