Greenius

Team Name

Greenius

Team Members

Project Description

We are proposing "Victoria Green Tranist Strategy" that focuses on optimizing active public infrastructure that can significantly enhance environmental and operational efficiency by promoting carpooling and integrating EV charging facilities. By incentivizing carpooling, state government can reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road, leading to decreased carbon emissions and lower traffic congestion. Additionally, investing in solar-powered infrastructure—such as solar panels on public transit facilities and carpool parking lots—can harness renewable energy to power these amenities, further cutting down on the reliance on fossil fuels. This dual approach not only lessens the environmental footprint but also maximizes the utility of existing infrastructure, ensuring that resources are used more effectively and sustainably.
This strategy has a potential of generating regenerative economy of $15 million in bundled offset securities that can be exchanged for larger purchases or offset. This revenue can be the re-invested back in enhancing and improving active public infrastructure.

Data Story

We analysed several data set (attached with project) to identify the gaps in public transport usage, rise in private vehicle usage and public infrastructure.

 
Why don't people prefer public transport in Australian cities?

Urban Sprawl: Long distances between suburbs and city centers make public transport less convenient. (We can solve for this by using carpool solution)
Infrequent Services: Buses and trains can be unreliable and less frequent, especially in outer suburbs.
Limited Coverage: Many areas lack adequate public transport options.
Car-Centric Culture: Strong preference for personal vehicles due to convenience and comfort.
Cost: Public transport can be perceived as expensive without a significant cost advantage over driving. (We can solve for this by using carpool solution and dynamic pricing solution)
Safety Concerns: Some people feel unsafe using public transport, especially at night.
Parking Availability: Ample parking and a well-developed road network make driving more appealing.

Why don't people prefer bikes in Australia?

Lack of Safe Infrastructure: Limited dedicated cycling lanes and bike-friendly roads make cycling feel unsafe, especially in busy urban areas. (We can propose solution for this)
Car-Dominated Culture: Strong preference for cars, with cycling often seen as less convenient or practical.
Long Commutes: Urban sprawl results in longer distances between home and work, making cycling less feasible for many.
Harsh Weather: Extreme heat in summer or rain in some regions can deter cycling.
Limited End-of-Trip Facilities: Few workplaces or public places provide adequate bike parking, showers, or lockers. (We can propose solution for this)
Perception of Danger: Concerns about road safety, with high rates of cyclist accidents involving motor vehicles.
Hilly Terrain: In some cities, like Sydney, hilly areas make cycling more physically demanding.
Lack of Awareness/Promotion: Cycling isn't as widely promoted or supported by public campaigns as in some other countries.

Why are people not buying EVs in Australia?
High Purchase Prices: EVs are still more expensive than traditional cars, with fewer affordable options available.
Limited Model Availability: Fewer EV models are offered in Australia compared to other markets, especially in the affordable range.
Lack of Government Incentives: Minimal financial incentives or rebates for EV buyers, unlike in other countries.
Charging Infrastructure Concerns: Limited charging stations, especially in regional areas, lead to range anxiety. (We can solve this with our EV charging solution)
Range Anxiety: Worries about the battery life and the ability to travel long distances without charging. (We can solve this with our EV charging solution)
Fuel Efficiency Standards: Lack of strict emissions and fuel efficiency regulations that would push automakers to bring more EVs to the market.
Car-Centric Culture: A strong preference for large vehicles (utes and SUVs) and traditional cars in Australian culture.
Slow Public Awareness: Limited public knowledge or misconceptions about the benefits, savings, and practicality of EVs.

Solutions we are looking at:
Shared Mobility and Carpooling
Incentivize Carpooling: Develop dedicated carpool lanes on major roads and offer tax incentives or subsidies for carpool users. Encourage businesses to provide carpool incentives for employees, such as preferred parking or financial rewards.

DATA NEEDED TO SUPPORT: Number of cars going in and out of the city or maybe data with cars in each household showing the potential no of cars being used for regular commute
PROJECTIONS: Number of cars reduced on the road

Develop EV Charging Infrastructure
Turn your garage into an EV charging space and make extra bucks. This would open up multiple options for EV owners to charge their cars and will build confidence to opt for an EV.

DATA NEEDED TO SUPPORT:
EV sales/users compared to Petrol and Diesel

Enhance Active Transport Infrastructure
Propose well connected bike lanes
Lack of Fairness: Passengers who travel longer distances are effectively subsidizing those who travel shorter distances, which can be seen as unfair.
Reduced Incentive for ShorterJourneys: Passengers might be discouraged from using public transport for shorter trips if they feel the fare doesn’t provide value relative to the distance traveled.
Encourage Green Travel: By making public transport more affordable to and from high emissions zones, you can incentivize people to use public transport rather than private vehicles, which can help reduce overall carbon emissions.
Support Environmental Goals: This approach aligns with broader environmental goals and policies aimed at reducing urban air pollution and promoting sustainable transportation.

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) —- THINK MORE ABOUT THIS SOLUTION
Implement MaaS platforms that integrate public transport, ride-sharing, bike-sharing, and micro-mobility services into a single, easy-to-use app, allowing users to plan and pay for multimodal trips in one place.
We can introduce FlexiRide, an app designed to enhance nighttime public transport. FlexiRide allows users to input their location and travel details during night hours when bus services are less frequent. The app alerts nearby bus drivers of potential passengers, ensuring timely stops and minimizing wait times. With real-time notifications and route adjustments based on demand, FlexiRide improves both safety and convenience for late-night commuters while optimizing bus routes for drivers.

1. The Current Scenario: Transport Emissions in Victoria
   Transport accounts for nearly 25% of Victoria's total carbon emissions, with private vehicles contributing the majority.
   100,000 cars enter Melbourne daily, emitting 8.5 kg of CO2 per person per 50 km trip. This equates to 850,000 kg (850 tonnes) of CO2 emitted daily by commuters.
   Urban sprawl, a car-centric culture, and limited public transport coverage increase dependence on private vehicles, making it a challenge to transition toward greener alternatives.

2. Carpooling: A Simple Step with Huge Impact
   Assumption: 10% of the 100,000 cars opt for carpooling, with an average of 3 people per car.
   Without carpooling, 10,000 cars would emit 85,000 kg of CO2 per day.
   By carpooling, these same 10,000 cars now carry 30,000 people, emitting the same 85,000 kg of CO2 per day but replacing the need for an additional 20,000 cars.
   This results in a net CO2 emissions reduction of 170,000 kg per day.
   Annual CO2 savings:
   170,000 kg/day×250 workdays=42,500 tonnes/year
   Valuation of Carbon Savings:
   Using the social cost of carbon (SCC) at $75 USD per tonne, the annual reduction is valued at $4.78 million AUD.
   Based on carbon market prices at $35 USD per tonne, the savings amount to $2.23 million AUD annually.
   Carpooling offers a direct path to reducing emissions while saving fuel costs—totaling approximately $168.75 million AUD per year, with additional productivity gains from reduced congestion valued at $15 million AUD annually.

3. Building EV Charging Infrastructure: The Future of Mobility
   With Australia's slow uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), concerns about charging infrastructure and range anxiety deter many from making the switch.
   Proposal:
   Encourage residents and businesses to install EV charging stations in their garages, turning them into rentable EV charging spaces, thus providing a decentralized and accessible charging network.
   Boost the EV market by reducing concerns about limited charging infrastructure.
   Impact:
   Every EV replaces a conventional car, reducing emissions by 6 kg of CO2 per 100 km (from 17 kg to 11 kg of CO2 for a non-solar EV).
   A significant increase in EV adoption could lead to a 30% reduction in transport emissions, saving millions in carbon costs and government rebates, while moving closer to net-zero emissions.

4. Enhancing Active Transport Infrastructure: Cycling as a Green Alternative
   Victoria's urban sprawl and inadequate cycling infrastructure have left cycling as a minor part of the transport mix. However, improving bike lanes and integrating them into the city's overall transport plan can shift more people towards active, zero-emission travel.
   Current Barriers:
   Lack of safe, connected bike lanes
   Long distances between suburban areas and city centers
   Limited facilities like bike racks, showers, and lockers
   Proposal:
   Invest in well-connected, safe cycling routes across Victoria, particularly in areas where public transport infrastructure is sparse.
   Enhance end-of-trip facilities (showers, bike racks, lockers) at key public transport hubs and workplaces to encourage cycling as part of multimodal journeys.
   Projected Impact:
   A shift of 10% of urban commuters from cars to bikes could reduce transport emissions by 15-20%, saving an additional 20,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

5. Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS): Simplifying Sustainable Choices
   By integrating all transport modes—public transport, ride-sharing, carpooling, cycling—into a single MaaS platform, Greenius offers a streamlined, user-friendly app that encourages more people to opt for sustainable mobility.
   FlexiRide: A feature within the app designed to improve nighttime public transport. Users input their location and travel details, and nearby bus drivers are notified of potential passengers, optimizing bus routes and reducing idle time.
   Impact:
   More efficient bus routes, reduced wait times, and improved safety for nighttime commuters.
   Increased public transport usage, further reducing private vehicle reliance and carbon emissions.

6. Government Earnings and ROI on Investments
   By implementing carpool lanes, enhancing active transport, and incentivizing EV adoption, the government can:
   Earn from carbon credits through carbon trading markets, given the significant CO2 reductions.
   Reduce infrastructure maintenance costs as fewer vehicles mean less wear and tear on roads.
   Increase productivity and reduce congestion costs by reducing the number of cars on the road.
   With targeted investments in these areas, the ROI can be measured in both environmental sustainability and economic returns. From carbon savings to reduced fuel consumption, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial costs.

A Win-Win for the Victorian Government
By adopting Greenius, the Victorian Government stands to gain both financially and environmentally. The solution offers immediate and long-term returns through carbon savings, increased public health, job creation, and a boost in green infrastructure. These factors not only improve the government's fiscal position but also contribute to Victoria's leadership in sustainability and clean transport innovation.