Based in New York City, the Institute works with cities worldwide to bring about transport solutions that cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce poverty, and improve the quality of urban life.

Every year the Steering Committee selects a city, or cities, from around the world that has made profound advancements in sustainable transportation innovations.

“These cities are setting the example of working on various fronts - giving people opportunities through high quality transport options,” said Walter Hook, chief executive officer of the Institute.

Both San Francisco and Medellin were selected based on four criteria: increasing mobility for residents, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from transportation, improving safety, and increasing access for cyclists and pedestrians.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency operates historic streetcars, modern light rail vehicles, diesel buses, alternative fuel vehicles, electric trolley coaches and the world famous cable cars.

San Francisco is using parking reform "to great effect," one of the reasons for its award, the Steering Committee said.

The new "SFpark" variable-rate, demand-responsive parking management system, provides real-time parking availability information online, via text and smartphone apps. Pre-paid parking meter cards can be used in lieu of coins at most city parking meters.

The city has started to upgrade and expand its bike network, setting an ambitious target of 20 percent of all trips made by bicycle by 2020.

San Francisco's Pavement to Parks program has reclaimed a few parking spaces on numerous blocks to create public spaces. The program has created 20 new parklets, with more on the way.

Medellin, Colombia and its metropolitan area is being recognized for its public space improvements, and for a ridesharing program, “Comparte tu carro,” literally, "Share Your Car."

The Steering Committee noted Medellin's new vehicle exhaust emissions controls and stricter standards for the sulfur content in petrol.

Medellin also made progress with a new public bicycle program, “EnCicla,” that integrates universities and mass transit with popular city destinations.

Buenos Aires received an honorable mention for opening Argentina’s first bus rapid transit system, Metrobús, and its comprehensive investment in cycling.

Cape Town, South Africa, also received an honorable mention for creating the first bus rapid transit system in Africa to integrate cycling.

Categories: Emissions - - Sustainable mobility - Urban mobility - Urban strategies

Keywords: CO2 - Eco-driving - greenhouse gas - - USA