23 September 2014: Four global transport alliances launched or advanced initiatives aimed at significantly scaling up low-carbon transport technologies. These initiatives, which were launched during the UN Climate Summit, are expected to increase the number of electric vehicles on the road, improve rail transport and air travel efficiency, and provide sustainable public transportation options globally.

Transport is responsible for approximately 25% of energy-related global emissions and about one fifth of energy use. 
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that shifting to sustainable, low-carbon transport by 2050 could save up to US$70 trillion.
 Thus, these initiatives will help transform the transport towards a low-carbon future, while saving trillions of dollars in fuel costs. The four alliances are described below.

The Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI) aims to increase the number of electric vehicles in cities to at least 30% of all new vehicles sold annually by 2030 and develop the enabling infrastructure for their use. UN-Habitat Executive Director Joan Clos emphasized the importance of private sector support for technological breakthroughs in urban mobility and their implementation.

The International Union of Railways (UIC) launched the Low-Carbon Sustainable Rail Transport Challenge, which aims to increase rail use for freight and transport and meet efficiency and emission reduction targets, which were approved at the UIC General Assembly in June 2014. The UIC will monitor and report on progress made by the rail sector towards achieving these goals.

 Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, Director General, International Railway Association, said the initiative is expected to decrease emissions from rail transport by 75% by 2050.

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) Declaration on Climate Leadership resulted in over 350 commitments and actions from 110 public transport entities. UITP, which brings together 1,300 member organizations from 92 countries, aims to double the market share of public transport globally by 2025.

Finally, governments under the auspices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the aviation industry, represented by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), committed to halve net emissions in the aviation sector by 2050 compared to 2005 levels.
 
To help meet this objective, ICAO and ATAG are supporting the development of sustainable alternative fuels for aviation, the deployment of new technologies for aircraft, and operational improvements to ensure increased efficiency. In addition, they are helping to develop a global carbon dioxide standard for new aircraft and to design and implement a market-based measure for international aviation for implementation beginning in 2020. [UN Press Release] [Joint Action Statements and Action Plans for the Transport Action Area]