Transport sector

Transport sector

Without proper means of transport, it is not possible for a person to get from one place to another – be it on a bullock cart or boat, bicycle or any other means. It is also not possible to move goods and other essential items.

Over the years, more and more people have moved from the traditional systems of transport to the mechanized ones, i.e. car, scooter, bus, truck, etc. These modes of transport have till recently been running on fossil fuel sources of energy. These are not only burning out a non-renewable source of energy, but also causing a great deal of pollution. Therefore, the need of the hour is conservation of energy in the transport sector. Individual owners of vehicles and the transporters have to be sensitized on the need to conserve energy to protect the environment and to make their systems more cost-effective. The manufacturers of automobiles must be given incentives to produce energy-efficient vehicles

There are a number of rules to be followed for the conservation of energy, i.e. fuel, in the transport sector.

The first rule of fuel conservation would be to plan travel in such a manner that will curtail wasteful driving.
Wherever possible and convenient, use public transport instead of using personal transport.

If you have the option of a personal car and a scooter, use the scooter when only two persons have to travel and the car if more persons have to travel or heavy luggage needs to be transported. This will go a long way in conserving fuel.
Car-pooling to work is a very effective means of conserving fuel.
Following traffic signals will help avoid traffic jams that lead to a great deal of wastage of fuel.
As far as possible, avoid idling the vehicle, be it a car, scooter, or any other mechanized transport.

Regular servicing and tuning of the vehicle makes it more efficient and thereby helps in fuel conservation and emission control. This should include checking of injectors and spark plugs, correct tyre pressure, re-greasing, topping up, or renewal of lubricants for engine and gearboxes.

The use of quality lubricant is extremely important and should not be compromised.

Correct driving habits are important for conservation. Try to avoid sudden speeding, braking and stopping, clutch riding, idling, over-speeding, and over-loading.
The use of public transport should be encouraged and priority should be given to improving the public transport system. Improvement and streamlining of mass transportation systems will lower energy consumption.

Have your vehicle checked for emission control regularly–not only because defaulters are fined, but because it leads to fuel conservation and pollution control. It is time we inculcate these habits to become a part of our daily routines. Only by practising and preaching these conservation tips can we think of future progress. Good habits taught early will salvage the oil shortage to a great extent.

Alternative fuels such as CNG (compressed natural gas), propane, and electricity have been introduced, the others are being tested and will probably be introduced in the transport sector soon.

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