Each year on 26 November, World Sustainable Transport Day serves as a timely reminder of the role that transport plays in connecting people, communities and businesses. Sustainable transport refers to any way of moving people or goods that is efficient, inclusive and low-emission, making travel safer, more affordable and less harmful to the environment (UN, 2025). This Insight explores what sustainable transport is, why it matters, what’s happening in Western Australia, and what it means for businesses and their people.
What is Sustainable Transport?
Sustainable transport includes travel modes and systems that support people, the economy and the environment at the same time. This includes:
- Walking and cycling
- Public transport
- Low-emissions and electric vehicles
Sustainable Transport aims to make travel accessible for people of all ages and abilities while reducing environmental impact and connecting communities (UNPD, 2025).
Why it Matters?
Sustainable transport benefits us in three key areas (Figure 1).
- People and Place: Sustainable transport improves how people access jobs, education, healthcare and essential services. Removing barriers and offering more travel options helps people of all ages and abilities take part in the community. Well-designed transport networks also improve safety, reduce travel stress and support more connected neighbourhoods (UN, 2025).
- Environment: Transport is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Shifting to low-emission travel options such as public transport, active travel and electric vehicles reduces carbon emissions, improves air quality and helps meet climate action targets (UN, 2025).
- Economy: Efficient, reliable transport networks support economic activity by making it easier to move workers, customers and freight. Investment in sustainable transport also creates jobs and stimulates local industries, including public transport operations, EV manufacturing and active travel infrastructure (Parliament of Australia, 2020).
Western Australia Initiatives
WA is building a cleaner, more connected transport network. The METRONET program is the state’s largest public-transport investment, adding around 72 kilometres of new passenger rail and 23 stations to improve access across Perth’s growing suburbs (Figure 2) (METRONET, 2025). By expanding the reach and reliability of rail, METRONET aims to reduce the reliance on private cars and cut congestion on major roads.
The Public Transport Authority (PTA) is rolling out 130 locally manufactured electric buses under a $250 million joint state and federal program, shifting toward a zero-emissions fleet (PTA, 2024). This transition supports WA’s net-zero commitments and boosts local industry by developing manufacturing capability and green jobs.
The Charge Up Workplace Grants offered through the Energy Policy WA provide funding to install EV-charging stations at workplaces and fleet depots, encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles (Government of Western Australia, 2025a). Together, these state and local initiatives demonstrate WA’s growing commitment to building a transport network that supports low-carbon mobility and resilient communities.
Funding for walking and cycling is also increasing. The WA Bicycle Network Grants and Principal Shared Path Expansion Program continue to provide safer cycling and walking routes, linking suburbs to train stations, universities and business centres (DTMI, 2025a). These efforts not only enhance connectivity but also encourage people to shift short trips away from cars, easing traffic and improving air quality.
Councils such as the City of Vincent have adopted a Bike Network Plan (2023–2028) that works in partnership with the Department of Transport to upgrade shared paths, intersections and crossings to make cycling more accessible for people of all ages and abilities (City of Vincent, 2023).
What this means for Business
Sustainable transport is a business opportunity, supporting sustainable transport can help businesses attract staff, improve wellbeing, save money and manage risks (UN, 2025; Parliament of Australia, 2020). As transportation expectations shift and sustainability standards grow, businesses that act early are better placed to remain competitive and meet stakeholder expectations (UNPD, 2025).
Adopting Sustainable Transport in Your Business
Integrating sustainable transport involves a mix of infrastructure, policies and incentives. These actions help reduce parking pressure, improve staff experience and position organisations as forward-thinking and socially responsible (DTMI, 2024).
Key opportunities include:
- Updating workplace travel plans and policies to encourage low-emission commuting (UNPD, 2025).
- Conducting staff travel surveys to understand barriers and opportunities (DTMI, 2024).
- Embedding sustainable transport within ESG, sustainable or wellbeing strategies (UN, 2025)
Providing Public Transport Support (Transperth Passes)
Supporting employees to use public transport can significantly reduce personal car use and associated costs, such as parking and congestion (Better Transport, 2023).
Businesses can offer:
- SmartRider reimbursements or monthly top-ups.
- Flexible start/finish times to align with transport timetables.
- Salary packaging for public transport costs where eligible.
- Information packs for new employees outlining routes and services (Better Transport, 2023).
The WA government has provided the Your Move workplace program, which offers tools, data insights, and tailored support to increase staff uptake of public transport and more sustainable travel modes. Organisations have reported benefits including reduced parking demand, improved staff satisfaction and greater team connectivity (DTMI, 2024).
End of Trip Facilities (Showers, Lockers, Bike Parking)
Facilities like showers and lockers make it easier for staff to walk or ride to work. Good facilities demonstrate a commitment to staff wellbeing and can form part of an organisation’s health, safety and wellbeing strategy (WHO, 2021).
Effective facilities include:
- Well-maintained showers and change rooms,
- Secure bike storage, and
- Lockers for storing clothes and equipment.
Businesses with strong active travel support often see benefits, including lower absenteeism, higher productivity and stronger engagement due to healthier and more active employees (WHO, 2021; DTMI, 2024).
EV Charging Stations at Work
Providing EV charging at workplaces supports employees who choose low-emission vehicles and helps organisations transition fleet vehicles to electric models. This helps meet climate goals and cuts long-term fuel and service costs (Government of Western Australia, 2025a).
Key business benefits include:
- Attracting and retaining staff who value sustainability (UN, 2025).
- Reducing fleet emissions and advancing net zero strategies (Government of Western Australia, 2025a).
Funding is available through WA’s Charge Up Workplace Grants, helping reduce the upfront cost of installing chargers (Government of Western Australia, 2025a).
By implementing a mix of these initiatives, businesses can create a more accessible, healthy and sustainable workplace. Organisations that align transport planning with broader sustainability goals position themselves as leaders in environmental responsibility, employee wellbeing and modern workplace design (UN, 2025).
Sustainable transport supports efficient, inclusive and low-emission travel, contributing to environmental, social and economic outcomes (UN, 2025; UNPD, 2025). WA’s current investments, such as METRONET, zero-emission buses, active travel networks and workplace EV charging programs, provide practical opportunities for organisations to align with emerging transport systems and policy direction. By implementing measures such as public transport incentives, end-of-trip facilities and EV charging stations, businesses can support accessible commuting, reduce operational impacts and strengthen their sustainability performance (DTMI, 2024). Integrate Sustainability can assist organisations to understand their obligations, assess their current transport-related practices and integrate practical sustainable measures into existing ESG or sustainability frameworks. For further assistance, contact us at enquiries@integratesustainability.com.au or call 08 9468 0338
ISPL- Sustainable Transport- PDF
References
Better Transport. (2023, June). Better Transport for Better Business. Retrieved from https://bettertransport.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2306-better-transport-for-better-business.pdf
City of Perth. (2025). Sustainability. Retrieved from City of Perth: https://perth.wa.gov.au/community/sustainability-hub
City of Vincent. (2023, May 19). City of Vincent Bike Network Plan 2023-2028 now open for comment. Retrieved from City of
Vincent: https://www.vincent.wa.gov.au/news/city-of-vincent-bike-network-plan-2023-2028-now-open-for-comment/11962
DCCEEW. (2025, July 8). Electric buses roll out in Perth. Retrieved from Department of Climate Change, Energy, the
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DTMI. (2025a, September 9). Principal Shared Path Expansion Program. Retrieved from Government of Western Australia Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure: https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/active-transport/programs-initiatives/principal-shared-path-expansion-program
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Government of Western Australia. (2025a, August 14). Charge Up EV Charging Grant. Retrieved from https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/energy-policy-wa/charge-ev-charging-grants
Government of Western Australia. (2025b, April 8). Charge Up EV Charging Grants Case Study – City of Bayswater. Retrieved from Government of Western Australia: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/charge-ev-charging-grants-case-study-city-of-bayswater
METRONET. (2021, November). METRONET Sustainability Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/Project%20Documents/Strategies/Sustainability/Sustainability%20Strategy.pdf
METRONET. (2025). About. Retrieved from Metronet: https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/about
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PTA. (2024). World-Class Public Transport Annual Report 2024-25. Perth: Public Transport Authority. Retrieved from https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/Portals/15/AA_DOCUMENTS/Annual%20Reports/PTA%20Annual%20Report%202024_25.pdf?ver=9Idbd1wtCBj-je1G-M8RxA%3D%3D
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WHO. (2021, March 31). Sustainable transport for health. Retrieved from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-HEP-ECH-AQH-2021.6