Rethinking Transport Systems for Low-Carbon Urban Futures

Transport systems are vital for urban economies yet remain major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. This paper investigates pathways toward low-carbon mobility through literature review and applied analysis. International research highlights the importance of multimodal hubs, digitalized rail, alternative fuels, and integrated policies that combine technological innovation with social inclusion. A case study from Buzău, Romania, analyses the modernization of Line 10 through electric buses, dedicated lanes, and the UTOPIA intelligent traffic management system. Findings indicate that infrastructure improvements alone generate limited efficiency, whereas active traffic light prioritization increases commercial speed by approximately 2 km/h and reduces travel times by 8–12%, even with route extensions. The results underline that sustainable urban mobility depends on coordinated infrastructure, intelligent digital control, and inclusive governance to achieve environmental and social gains.