Sustainable Transportation: What Can Chiang Mai Learn?

Abstract

The sustainability of transportation systems around the world is growing in importance each year. This paper examines how an internship with an NOD in the northern Thailand city of Chiang Mai has presented the author with the opportunity to study various sustainable transportation systems from cities around the world. These studies were then used as a means to see what Chiang Mai can learn with regards to sustainable transportation. Findings concluded that proper bus and light rail systems can be highly effective if implemented properly. Land use initiatives in Portland have provided lessons for Chiang Mai in the form of showing how expanding road systems is not always the best option. Light Rail systems in Salt Lake City, Utah and Dallas, Texas have been equally successful.