Transportation
Cambridge residents commute by car 1/3 as much as the average American. In Cambridge, there are options for bike lanes, train, bus, and shuttle transit services to utilize instead of driving. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) runs the subway and bus network. Bluebikes provides a bikeshare program across Cambridge and 11 other local municipalities. Electric vehicles are a better option to gas-powered vehicles.
Public Transit
Overview
There are many different climate friendly ways to get around Cambridge. Driving personal vehicles make up about 9% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the city. Public transportation accounts for 1% of all emissions. Alternatives to driving include walking, biking, and taking public transit.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is the Greater Boston areas public transit provider. The MBTA runs 27 bus routes, 2 rail rapid transit lines, and the commuter rail (Fitchburg line) within Cambridge. Using public transit is an effective way to mitigate our greenhouse gas emissions. By taking buses, subways, and the commuter rail, we can reduce our impact on climate change.
Bike Facilities
Overview
Biking around Cambridge is becoming more popular. There are many different reasons to bike around the city such as for convenience, for exercise, and because it is economical. The City promotes bicycling as a sustainable and equitable form of travel. Bicycling also supports both individual and public health goals of promoting healthy exercise. As more people bike our roads need to be accommodating for all people. Our streets should be inviting for people to bicycle or walk – whether they are eight years old or eighty years old.
Visit the Community Development website to learn more about what the City is doing with bike planning, data and tracking, reporting, and advice for getting around.
UNIT | We measure bike facilities based on the total length of bike lanes, paths, and marked roadways designed to support cyclists. | MilesMiles of Bike Facilities |
We measure bike facilities based on the total length of bike lanes, paths, and marked roadways designed to support cyclists. | MilesMiles of Bike Facilities |
Bluebikes
Overview
Bluebikes is Metro-Boston’s bikeshare system, with more than 4,000 bikes at over 423 stations throughout Cambridge, Boston, Brookline, Somerville, Everett, Chelsea, Revere, Newton, Salem, Somerville, Arlington, and Watertown. Bluebikes is an important part of Cambridge’s transportation network, offering an accessible, affordable, and sustainable option for biking without the need to own a bicycle. Riders can sign up as annual or monthly Bluebikes members, or rent on a per-use basis. Check out how the City is partnering with Bluebikes to bring more stations and bikes into Cambridge.
UNIT | One way to measure the success and popularity of Bluebikes, both in Cambridge and systemwide, is by looking at the growth in annual memberships. | MembersNumber of Members |
One way to measure the success and popularity of Bluebikes, both in Cambridge and systemwide, is by looking at the growth in annual memberships. | MembersNumber of Members |
Electric Vehicles
Overview
Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered by electricity rather than fuel (gasoline or diesel) and do not release any harmful emissions from the tailpipe. EVs also help reduce GHG emissions. As our electricity supply becomes cleaner, so do the electric vehicles.
One major challenge to widespread adoption of EVs by residents of dense urban neighborhoods like Cambridge is the lack of reliable access to electric vehicles supply equipment (EVSE). In other words, access to a charging station. By supporting a network of EVSE throughout Cambridge, the City can help facilitate the switch from vehicles that run on fuel to vehicles that run on electricity. Workplace and public charging also ensure EV owners will be able to charge while on longer trips.
Stay up to date with what Cambridge is doing around electric vehicles and charging.
UNIT | To understand how many people are switching from fuel to electric powered vehicles, the City tracks the percentage of registered vehicles that are EVs. | % of EVsEVs as a % of Total Vehicles |
To understand how many people are switching from fuel to electric powered vehicles, the City tracks the percentage of registered vehicles that are EVs. | % of EVsEVs as a % of Total Vehicles |
Where the Energy Goes
In fossil fuel cars, only 16-25% of the energy from gasoline actually makes it to the wheels to move the vehicle. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, convert 86-90% of electrical energy in the battery into power at the wheels. Electrifying transportation will decrease the overall amount of energy we use for transportation in addition to avoiding fossil fuel GHGs.