Environmental Leadership

French cities have led in making transport environmentally sustainable. Strasbourg banned diesel buses by 2025, investing in electric and hydrogen alternatives. Pau introduced Fébus, hydrogen fuel cell buses producing only water vapor. These aren't just cleaner vehicles but symbols of civic commitment to air quality.

Paris's war on air pollution encompasses multiple strategies. Odd-even license plate restrictions during pollution peaks. Progressive diesel bans. Massive cycling infrastructure expansion. The goal: carbon-neutral transport by 2050. Critics call it unrealistic, but Paris's track record suggests otherwise. Each "impossible" goal—bike-sharing, car-free days, Seine swimming—eventually becomes reality.

The French approach emphasizes carrots over sticks. Rather than just restricting cars, cities provide alternatives. Park-and-ride facilities at tram termini. Improved suburban rail connections. Employer subsidies for transit passes. This comprehensive approach recognizes that sustainable transport requires system change, not just individual choice.