Every day, we see the mounting effects of a warming planet including extreme heat and unprecedented superstorms. Yet, just when we are in need of bold leadership, the United States is hurrying down a dangerous path to reverse its climate commitments. Fortunately, other countries around the world, including many of the places where ITDP works, are strengthening their climate action and they need our help to achieve their goals. 

Transportation accounts for nearly one quarter of global climate emissions — most of that comes from cities. That means without progress in cities around the world towards bigger and better public transport, electric mobility, and walking and cycling networks, we simply will not meet global climate targets.

Around the world, ITDP is proving what’s possible when cities invest in sustainable mobility. From Brazil to Indonesia, we’re seeing real momentum — new funding for transport, national policies supporting electric mobility, and city leaders pushing forward with progressive, people-first planning. While the U.S. risks falling behind, other countries are accelerating toward cleaner, more equitable cities. ITDP is proud to be at the center of that progress.

This positive momentum depends on your sustained support. In today’s challenging fundraising landscape, ITDP’s ability to provide technical expertise, policy guidance, and research to our partner cities is at risk. Your support ensures that cities around the world continue to move forward, not backward, in decarbonizing transport.

Modernizing Mexico’s Public Transport

Across Mexico, cities are transforming public transport through digital modernization — and ITDP is helping lead the way. Partnering with local governments, ITDP is advancing real-time data systems, unified payment networks, and digital tools that make transport more efficient, safe, and reliable. 

In Mexico City and Mérida, integrated fare systems now let passengers use one payment method across multiple modes, saving time, and improving access and affordability. With ITDP’s technical assistance, cities are using digital monitoring to optimize bus operations in real time; reducing congestion, and slashing emissions. These innovations not only make systems more efficient but also attract greater public transport investment, further expanding mobility networks.   

In Mérida, these updates led to a 9% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per passenger and an 11% increase in bus speed, all while boosting ridership. On key transit lines in Mexico City, data-driven coordination reduced the distance of bus operations by 40% while maintaining service — a savings that directly benefits the bottom line. 

With transportation responsible for nearly 25% of Mexico’s GHG emissions, this progress is vital. Your support makes it possible. Please give today to ensure these digital solutions continue to advance. Your generous gift will improve how people move while moving cities toward a more sustainable future.

Chennai Embarks on E-Buses

Chennai, one of India’s largest cities, is taking strong steps toward clean, electrified public transport—with ITDP as a key partner. This year, the city inaugurated its first 255 electric buses, marking a major milestone in deploying public transport that reduces GHG emissions and improves air quality. 

ITDP has provided crucial technical assistance at every stage: supporting procurement plans and developing training programs to ensure the long-term success of e-bus operations. The rollout aligns with the state of Tamil Nadu’s Electric Vehicle Policy, which targets 30% electrification of state-operated buses by 2030, setting Chennai on course to deploy 1,250 e-buses by 2026. 

This progress is vital. Between 2005 and 2019, Tamil Nadu’s GHG emissions from transport rose from 12% to 19%. With nearly 3,500 diesel buses still operating in Chennai, and only 3% of new buses nationwide being electric, continued momentum is critical in the rapidly urbanizing region. 

A gift today will accelerate even more progress. By supporting ITDP, you ensure we remain a key partner as Chennai invests in zero-emission mobility, setting a standard to be replicated across India. Will you help with a year-end gift today?