Several definitions of sustainable transportation have been proposed (CST, 2005;
Litman, 2007). Of them, we recommend the definition selected by the European Council
of Ministers of Transport (ECMT, 2004),2
because it has a broad scope and recognizes
specific transportation issues. According to this definition, a sustainable transport system:
• Allows the basic access and development needs of individuals, companies and
society to be met safely and in a manner consistent with human and ecosystem
health, and promotes equity within and between successive generations.
• Is affordable, operates fairly and efficiently, offers a choice of transport mode and
supports a competitive economy, as well as balanced regional development
• Limits emissions and waste within the planet’s ability to absorb them, uses
renewable resources at or below their rates of generation, and uses non-renewable
resources at or below the rates of development of renewable substitutes, while
minimizing the impact on the use of land and the generation of noise.