GRA
Well-known member
Via GCR: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1103989_in-paris-cars-compete-with-other-transit-modes-and-often-lose
In cities across the world, many governments are promoting electric cars as a way to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. But electric cars aren't the only option for keeping urban dwellers mobile while reducing the carbon footprint of transportation. Public transit, bikes, scooters, and car-sharing services can all offer alternatives to traditional vehicle ownership.
Paris is one example of a city where all of these alternatives have coalesced into a legitimate competitor to cars, according to Automotive News (subscription required). The French capital now has about 450 miles of bike lanes, and pedicabs are a popular option for tourists. Bike-sharing service Velib now boasts nearly 23,000 bicycles at roughly 1,800 stations, and many Parisians get around on scooters as well. On the public transit side, Paris already has an extensive Metro subway system and intercity passenger rail—including the famous, 200-mph TGV high-speed trains. That is now being augmented with new tram lines, as well as water taxis. Paris also boasts Autolib, the electric-car sharing service run by the Bolloré Group conglomerate. There are currently 4,019 Bolloré Bluecars in operation, with 1,085 charging stations and 6,139 parking spots. . . .