Transportation
TRANSPORTATION IN TAKOMA PARK
As of 2019, 45% of Takoma Park’s total emissions came from transportation. Transportation emissions are broken down into commercial, personal, municipal and transit with personal and commercial having the largest emissions. The City is committed to lowering transportation emissions, and has helped do so by increasing bike lanes, car free challenges, and assisting in the deployment of charging stations for Electric Vehicles around the city.
BIKING
Biking is a great way to move about the city, whether it is for pleasure, errands or transportation we encourage residents to get out and hit the pavement. There are a multitude of projects the City has been implementing to make the city more bike friendly. Join us every May for bike month, with fun events and a ways to meet fellow riders.
- Bike Map/Safety Advice
- Sligo Trail Map
- Bike Stress Map
- Where to Park Your Bike
- Bike Advocacy Organizations
- Metropolitan Branch Trail
- Bike to Work Day
- Capital Bikeshare
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Commuting by public transportation is a great way to get to and from work. Relaxing on the bus, not having to worry about parking in D.C., saving the wear and tear on your vehicle, or limiting fuel emissions are all great reasons to pick the public option versus driving. The two main types of public transportation in Takoma Park are the bus and Metro.
WALKING
Due to the size of Takoma Park, only 2.5 square miles, everything within the City is in walking distance. We encourage residents to walk to where they need to go in the City or to connect different public transportation routes.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND PLUG-IN HYBRIDS
Electric vehicle adoption is increasing throughout the country and Takoma Park is no exception. In 2016 Takoma Park had 87 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Compare that to 2018 where electric and plug-in hybrids account for 160 vehicles, an increase of 84% over just two years. Range anxiety is the number one reason people don’t purchase EV’s. Takoma Park is trying to help limit this by providing free charging stations throughout the city.
Maryland EV Tax Credit Federal EV Tax Credits
Charging at home is the most common way that EV owners replenish their battery. Understanding the balance between charging at home and around town can help eliminate range anxiety.
Takoma Park Curbside EV Charging Permit
FLYING
Flying is the most carbon intense mode of transportation available. A typical flight from Washington, D.C. to the West Coast can account for 0.5-1 ton of carbon. With recommendations of 3 tons of carbon per capita, flying can add to one’s carbon emissions very fast.
Recommendations for how to limit your carbon footprint from flying:
- Choose an airline that uses biofuels in their fuel mix
- Fly coach, sitting in business or first class can greatly increase the carbon intensity of your flight due to more space per person
- Limit the weight of your bag
Please follow this link below to see the carbon intensity of your next flight.
International Civil Aviation Organizations Flight Carbon Calculator
