Sustainable Transportation

Sustainable transportation supports the mobility needs of society in a safe, efficient and equitable manner consistent with human and ecosystem health. About 50% of a typical two-car household’s carbon emissions are from transportation sources. Consumers should purchase a fuel-efficient, low-polluting car, keep their vehicle well maintained, and adopt good driving habits including observing the speed limit and consolidating trips. Use of mass transit, ridesharing, biking, walking and telecommuting offer further opportunities to reduce transportation emissions, while also assisting in equitable transportation options for residents who cannot afford cars.

Electric vehicles (EVs) represent a rapidly accelerating share of the automobile market. As EV technologies improve (already 4-5 times more efficient than that of a gasoline car), and with an expanding range of affordable models EVs are poised to become a mainstream family car. EVs will play an increasingly prominent role in reducing transportation emissions. Both on the personal and municipal fronts, electrifying the town’s vehicles is an exciting and achievable prospect.

Achievements to Date

First town-owned EV obtained in 2015
15 cars purchased and 6 leased by town in 2023 with ARPA funding
Green Wheels Expo 2015-2022, largest such event in the Northeast US
Drive Electric Earth Day 2018 to present
Over 100 EV chargers in town
Over 1,000 EVs registered in town
Electric landscaping equipment used near school buildings
“Introduction to EVs” course offered through Fairfield Continuing Ed and Fairfield Public Library
Anti-idling signage at schools to reduce exposure to exhaust fumes
Exhaust deflector shields on buses
Procurement of electric school buses in progress
Establishment of bike paths and shared lane markings
Promote CT Rides rideshare app to link those without cars to volunteers who might get them to appointments and events in the town
Three new EV Police vehicles to be purchased in 2024 (currently out to bid)
One new EV Fire vehicle to be purchased in 2024 (currently out to bid)

Challenges Ahead

Providing charging infrastructure for residents who cannot charge at home
Locating and capitalizing EV charging projects, as a town project or in partnership with third parties
The electric grid will need to significantly increase its generating capacity to accommodate growth of EV adoption.
Making the case for electric school buses and municipal EV fleets
Increasing public transportation options and ensuring transportation needs are met for all Fairfield residents equitably

Benefits of Sustainable Transportation

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change
Improving air quality and public health by reduction of toxic emissions from burning fossil fuels, as toxic pollution proves an increasing risk to the poor, disabled, elderly and young children
Improving energy stability and security
Saving money on transportation costs

Level 2 EV charging station at Sherman Green installed 2012

2030 Plan Goals

100% of transportation from sustainable sources by 2050
Reduce overall vehicular traffic via mass transit, biking and walking
All town vehicles are not internal combustion powered (ICE)
Large banks of EV chargers to address need for renters
Encourage and/or require multi-family housing units to install EV chargers
3,000 EVs registered in Fairfield
Establish car and bicycle sharing services in Fairfield
Begin replacement of diesel school buses with electric buses (currently in bid process for this using federal grant funding to offset large initial cost)
Begin replacement of town landscaping equipment with electric versions
Continue efforts for mass transit, transit-oriented development (TOD) and ridesharing
Support Transportation & Climate Initiative for long term, regional effort
Formally oppose state efforts to widen I-95 for capacity reasons