On the Road

We all have a need for transportation, whether to get to work, school, and activities, or to visit friends and family. Many Canadians meet their transport needs by using private vehicles. Of total energy used for passenger transport in Canada in 2002, half was consumed by cars and light duty trucks.

Exhaust emissions from vehicles are one of the leading causes of climate change, urban smog, and acid rain. Although vehicles are more fuel efficient and pollute less than they used to, emissions are still growing, given the increasing number of vehicles on the road.

Whether you own a car or are thinking of buying a vehicle, there are a variety of actions that you can take as an individual to reduce your fuel use, save money, and in turn reduce your emissions and help protect the environment. Changing your driving habits, reducing your driving time, maintaining your car, and using cleaner fuels, such as ethanol, can help to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. If you are purchasing a car, make sure to buy the most fuel-efficient model available that meets your everyday needs.

Before buying, consider whether you really need a car. It may cheaper, just as easy, and definitely better for the environment to use alternative forms of transport, such as public transit, biking, walking, or even renting a car when you really need one.

The Government of Canada has introduced a number of programs to improve environmental performance in the transportation sector, and to help you to reduce air pollution associated with your activities on the road. These include ecoAUTO, ecoMOBILITY, ecoENERGY for Personal Vehicles, ecoTECHNOLOGY for Vehicles, EnerGuide for Vehicles, the Idle-Free Zone, and increased support for Vehicle Scrappage Programs to accelerate the voluntary retirement of older, higher polluting vehicles.