A new study from the University of Surrey produced counterintuitive results about the relative pollution levels of commuters around London.
"If you find yourself wheezing as you wander down a fume-filled London street, just remember that things could be worse," writes Feargus O'Sullivan. "You could be on the city’s subway system."
"According to a new study from the University of Surrey, London’s Tube riders experience worse air than those who travel by car," adds O'Sullivan. "In the worst cases, particulate levels in the subway system can be as much as eight times higher than those experienced by drivers."
The culprit of the pollution issue in the London Subway isn't the motor or exhaust of the trains—it's from "mechanical abrasion between rails, wheels and brakes."
O'Sullivan provides a lot more detail and context for the study, including listing two big lessons to takeaway.
FULL STORY: London's Subway Commuters Breathe More Pollution Than Drivers
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
London Starts New Program to Track Air Quality
A network of monitoring devices will bring together technology and data analytics to help inform residents about air pollution.
Poorest NYC Neighborhoods Pay Price for Delivery Boom
The rise of ‘last-mile’ e-commerce warehouses — and their attendant truck traffic and air pollution — is disproportionately impacting the most historically disadvantaged parts of the city.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
How Community Science Connects People, Parks, and Biodiversity
Community science engages people of all backgrounds in documenting local biodiversity, strengthening connections to nature, and contributing to global efforts like the City Nature Challenge to build a more inclusive and resilient future.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Dear Tesla Driver: “It’s not You, It’s Him.”
Amidst a booming bumper sticker industry, one writer offers solace to those asking, “Does this car make me look fascist?”
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service