Methodology for estimation of CO2 reduction from mass rapid transit system (MRTS) projects

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Methodology for estimation of CO2 reduction from mass rapid transit system (MRTS) projects

Sharma, N. / Gangopadhyay, S. / Dhyani, R.

Mass rapid transit system (MRTS) have been provided in major cities in developed countries to improve public transportation system. There is a huge potential of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from transportation sector, particularly from projects like MRTS. Further, there are growing opportunities for various public transportation projects to earn carbon credits under clean development mechanism (CDM) as per provisions of Kyoto Protocol. Using proposed methodology, reduction in CO2 due to MRTS and other public transportation projects can be estimated conveniently. Proposed methodology can also be used to estimate other emissions like carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), suspended particular matter (SPM) and oxides of nitrogen (NO(x)) from other similar public transportation related projects. The methodology proposed is based on estimated MRTS ridership data. Sensitivity analysis can be conveniently carried out to estimate the impact of different combinations of input parameters (fuel type, engine technology, occupancy rate, emission factors, trip length, vehicle kilometre travelled by a particular category of vehicles) on CO2 emissions. The method basically converts MRTS ridership to the corresponding equivalent number of vehicles on the road which would have been plying on road in the absence of the MRTS project. Emission factors (EF) have been determined based on old urban driving cycle instead of city-specific driving cycle using only Euro-II emission standard compliant vehicles. No deterioration factors (DF) considering the effects of vehicle age on emission behaviour have been provided. Also, CO2 emission produced at source for running of metro rail and their utilities have not yet been accounted for.