In parallel with this, the proportion of car-based transportation is increasing. The growing trend of individuals using cars is rapidly increasing the amount of energy consumed and emissions per passenger in urban and intercity transportation. Looking at energy consumption per passenger/km, it is seen that cars consume much more energy than buses and subways. Another important statistic is that cars carry three times fewer passengers than minibuses and thirteen times fewer passengers than buses. Therefore, strengthening public transportation is one of the most effective ways to increase energy efficiency in transportation. Developing alternative applications for public transportation, especially in urban areas, is important. In this context, when city plans are made, it should be considered that clustered neighborhood formations, rather than scattered ones, reduce transportation needs, and city plans should be made accordingly. In cities with sea and water transportation options, projects to improve services provided by ferries and similar vehicles are also important. New ferry terminals and the integration of bus lines with terminals are applications that increase the share of sea travel in urban transportation. Rail systems are known to provide significant energy savings in passenger and freight transportation. The development of metro and light rail systems is an important step in terms of energy efficiency. Another example of an application that has become increasingly common in developed countries and, to some extent, in Turkey in recent years is the use of roads suitable for rapid bus transportation (Bus Rapid Transit – BRT). Developed in the 1970s in response to the rapid growth of city centers and increasing traffic problems in Latin America, this approach has also been implemented in Europe since the 1990s. The best-known example of this application in Turkey is the metrobus system in Istanbul. While establishing an efficient public transportation system in large cities, measures that will reduce private vehicle use and make public transportation more attractive should also be considered. In this context, it should be planned that public transportation systems serve not only main roads but also side streets, and that the frequency and service level should be high. Strict enforcement of parking bans in city centers, increasing parking fees, and limiting free parking opportunities can also contribute to reducing private vehicle use.

Increasing energy efficiency in transportation isn't solely about public transport. Proper planning of signaling systems also contributes to reduced energy consumption by minimizing stop-and-go traffic. Installing and operating a Green Wave system at successive signalized intersections to facilitate traffic flow is a significant application in this context. The use of LED technology in traffic lights on roads can also reduce energy consumption. Regular monitoring of electricity consumption by municipalities for the operation of road signaling systems is another important step. Furthermore, smart traffic management applications can contribute to energy efficiency in transportation by reducing idling time and unnecessary fuel consumption.

There is potential for development in our country regarding the promotion of bicycle and pedestrian transportation, which has successful examples in Europe. Cities like Konya and Bursa have developed bicycle plans, improved bicycle paths, and invested in bicycle parking areas at bus stops. Some university campuses have established a system known as "public bikes": bicycles can be borrowed from various points on campus and returned anywhere after use. It should be remembered that 18 bicycles can be parked in the space occupied by one car, and 30 bicycles can move in the space occupied by a single car. Bicycles have significant advantages over cars, both in terms of space and energy consumption. For shorter distances, bicycle use is also beneficial for a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, encouraging walking and cycling for short distances can contribute to reducing both energy consumption and urban traffic congestion.