Evaluating health and environmental co-benefits of active and public transport transitions: A cost-benefit analysis for transport policy in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Journal
Journal of Transport and Health
Journal Volume
51
Start Page
102394
ISSN
22141405
Date Issued
2026-09
Author(s)
Abstract
Introduction Transport decarbonization strategies often focus on technological solutions, yet shifts in travel behavior—such as increased active and public transport—can generate significant health and environmental co-benefits. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of promoting active and public transport in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, by quantifying both health and climate impacts. Methods The analysis integrates the World Health Organization's Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to estimate impacts from physical activity, air pollution exposure, crash risk, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Three infrastructure investment scenarios were developed, each assuming a 10% replacement of private vehicle use with active and public transport modes, including metro, electric buses, and bicycles. Results All scenarios produced positive benefit–cost ratios (BCRs), ranging from 2.18:1 to 3.09:1. Scenario 3—replacing motorcycle trips with bicycles and car trips with metro and electric buses—generated the greatest benefits, largely driven by increased physical activity and reduced crash risk. While GHG reductions contributed relatively modestly in monetary terms, they reinforced the overall benefits. Expanding the mode shift to 40% further increased BCRs, indicating strong economic returns from active and public transport investments. Conclusions Active and public transport infrastructure offers substantial economic and societal benefits. Integrating health and environmental assessments provides a more comprehensive basis for transport policy. Investments in bike-sharing systems and low-emission public transit can help maximize co-benefits in health, safety, and climate mitigation.
Subjects
Active transport
Cost-benefit analysis
GHG emissions
Health co-benefits
Health Economic Assessment (HEAT)
Public transport
Transport policy
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Type
journal article