‘Green’ transport and capitalism: a match that can work well?

‘Sustainable’ transport is widely perceived as a ‘cause’ promoted by bodies such as government agencies and charities but a growing number of private companies are starting to see if there is money to be made from ‘green’ transport.

Rik Thomas

03 July 2009

walkit.com founder Jamie Wallace, practising what he preaches (photo courtesy Fran Monks)

Liftshare founder Ali Clabburn, and more ‘green transport’ awards than you could shake a stick at

Since taking Veolia on board as a shareholder Oybike has expanded into France and, shortly, Wales

The private company is, by definition, a body that exists to make money. ‘Sustainable’ transport, meanwhile, is widely perceived as something promoted solely by environmentalists who would never dream of dirtying their hands grubbing for profits. But it is becoming increasingly apparent that this is not so, as more and more companies are appearing on the scene and trying to make money from ‘green’ transport. Which raises an interesting question: are these companies being...