EMBARQ promotes mass transit, cycling, walking, clean fuels and vehicles, and vibrant public spaces because these solutions improve public health. They lead to safer streets, cleaner air, reduced carbon emissions, physically active citizens, and social inclusion. This year, EMBARQ’s holistic approach gained significant support from international institutions, funders and industry leaders.

Inspired by a workshop with public officials, cycling experts and enthusiasts, CST-India developed an action plan to make Bangalore the "cycling capital of India.” The goal is to find sustainable, low-cost cycling solutions to combat congestion and traffic accidents, as well as health problems, like asthma and other cardiorespiratory diseases, associated with air pollution.

The first four blocks of Mercaderes, the main shopping street in downtown Arequipa, Peru, were transformed into a pedestrian-only path. The first two blocks were completed in December 2008; the final two were finished four months later. In addition, sidewalks were widened on several downtown streets.

The Municipality of Arequipa recently banned the use of shared taxicabs, known as lanchones, older than 25 years old, in an effort to reduce air pollution and modernize public transport in the historic city. The new law prompted a citywide strike among all public transport operators.

In 2004, EMBARQ and CTS-México, working with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Mexico’s Secretary of the Environment, initiated a diesel retrofit project to show how new particulate filters, catalysts, and clean fuel could be used in Mexico City’s buses to reduce air pollution.