This factsheet, from the Sustainable Urban Transport Project of GIZ, summarizes the concept for Avoid-Shift-Improve (A-S-I) approach.

The A-S-I approach entails three main avenues:

• Avoid/Reduce
• Shift/Maintain
• Improve

Firstly, “avoid” refers to the need to improve the efficiency of the transport system. Through integrated land-use planning and transport demand management the need to travel and the trip length may be reduced

Secondly, the “shift” instruments seek to improve trip efficiency. A modal shift from the most energy consuming urban transport mode (i.e. cars) towards more environmentally friendly modes is highly desirable. In particular, the shift towards the following alternative modes:

• Non-Motorised Transport (NMT): walking and cycling. They represent the most environmentally friendly options.
• Public Transport (PT): bus, rail, etc. Although PT also generates emissions, lower specific energy consumption per pkm and higher occupancy levels imply that the associated CO2 emissions per passenger-km are lower compared to cars.

Thirdly, the “improve” component focuses on vehicle and fuel efficiency as well as on the optimisation of transport infrastructure. It pursues to improve the energy efficiency of transport modes and related vehicle technology. Furthermore, the potential of alternative energy use is acknowledged.

Download the factsheet here: Avoid-Shift-Improve (A-S-I) factsheet

Image credit: Asian Development Bank