Australia speeding past shortcuts to cleaner transport

Moving people and goods from A to B is responsible for 22 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

The switch from petrol guzzlers to electric wheels is a priority in the race to decarbonise transport but Australia could be underplaying a complementary policy lever.

Reducing car dependence in favour of more trips via bus, bike and foot was once the main game for slashing roads emissions but as the electric vehicle market has matured, "mode shift" has taken a back seat.