The city of Bogota could have next September a new implementation of the car-free day, with the aim of aligning with the “World Car-Free Day” that takes place every September 22.
In a report made by Infobae, William Castro, Traffic Engineering specialist and Professor at the National University, affirmed that this measure is essential to reduce the carbon footprint produced by the use of fossil fuels.
The specialist told Red+ Noticias that during the Car and Motorcycle Free Day, more than 7,600 tons of CO2 are no longer emitted, which represents a 57% reduction of the emissions generated in one day in the city.
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Key Figures
During the Car and Motorcycle Free Day held on September 21, 2023, statistics showed a significant change in the mobility dynamics of the Colombian capital.
Nearly 71,000 pedestrians and 1,116,000 cyclists moved that day, and the Integrated Public Transportation System (SITP) registered more than 3,651,577 fare validations, adding both the trunk and zone components.
On the other hand, occupancy in Transmilenio S.A. (TMSA) bicycle parking lots reached 61%.
Castro also highlighted the importance of improving the quality of public transportation in Bogota, considering that the city is in the process of developing new Transmilenio corridors, the first line of the subway and the bidding process for line 2.
According to the expert, these infrastructures will contribute significantly to the city’s mobility, leaving aside the dependence on private vehicles.
For this year, it is expected that the Car and Motorcycle Free Day will be moved to Thursday, September 19 or 26, since September 22 is a Sunday. Although the Secretariat of Mobility has not yet made an official statement on the development of this initiative, the implementation in September reinforces the city’s commitment to sustainable mobility and emissions reduction.
