GEF

Unit 9  |  New Technology and Innovative Sustainability Approaches 194 Advanced technology is being developed to decrease our transporta- tion footprint. Urban design can have a dramatic impact on sustainability by encouraging or discouraging low-energy means of trans- portation. An often-cited example is Curitiba, a medium-sized city located in southern Brazil. Instead of building expensive subway lines, Curitiba developed a widespread network of bus routes. The extra-long buses in the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system are accessed via raised platforms, making passenger exit and entry much more efficient than for standard city buses. Studies have estimated that Curitiba’s bus network replaces about 27 million auto trips per year, significantly reducing fuel use. Compared to eight similarly sized Brazilian cities, Curitiba uses about 30 percent less fuel per capita and has one of the lowest rates of urban air pollution in the country. In Curitiba, Brazil, investing in an efficient bus system has significantly reduced the number of cars on the road and the rate of air pollution. URBAN DESIGN The process of designing and shaping cities, towns, and villages.