Report of Baseline Assessment of Traffic Volumes, Vehicle Registration and Imports, Vehicle Ownership Disaggregated by Gender and Age, EV and Hybrid Vehicles, and Market Demand

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Report of Baseline Assessment of Traffic Volumes, Vehicle Registration and Imports, Vehicle Ownership Disaggregated by Gender and Age, EV and Hybrid Vehicles, and Market Demand

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Report of Baseline Assessment of Traffic Volumes, Vehicle Registration and Imports, Vehicle Ownership Disaggregated by Gender and Age, EV and Hybrid Vehicles, and Market Demand

October 3, 2024

The following executive summary encapsulates the comprehensive analysis and findings presented in the report as part of Activity 2.1 of the CAP-IT Project. This report delves into the current state of vehicle imports, registrations, driving license data, and their implications for Samoa's sustainable development goals.

The baseline analysis conducted in this report reveals a notable growth trend in Samoa's land transport vehicle fleet, mirroring global and Asia Pacific patterns. Private vehicles, particularly cars and pickups, dominate the island's transportation landscape, with driving license data indicating a gradual diversification in gender representation, potentially leading to increased female participation in driving. Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target is to reduce national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 26% from 2007 levels by 2030 (equivalent to 91 Gg CO2e), and the energy sector, which also includes the transport sector, should see GHG emissions reduced by 30%. Hence, the rapid decarbonization of the land transport system is fundamental not only for the attainment of the ambitious goals set by the NDC, but also for the positioning of Samoa as a leading sustainable island nation.
Despite Samoa's energy demands being met primarily through domestic electricity production, there's a need to bolster the electric grid's capacity to accommodate the anticipated surge in energy demand from the proliferation of electric land transport. The analysis underscores Samoa's commendable reliance on hydro and solar energy sources, constituting nearly half of its energy production. However, future initiatives should prioritize enhancing electric grid optimization for sustainable energy production and consumption.

Acknowledging the Government of Samoa's strides towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this report offers actionable recommendations for policymaking within the land transport sector. Balancing the imperative for growth in the land transport sector with SDG commitments presents a unique challenge. Leveraging the insights from the baseline assessment, government agencies can craft solutions that position Samoa as a leader in sustainable development.

In conclusion, this report provides a roadmap for policymakers to navigate the complexities of the land transport sector while advancing Samoa's sustainable development agenda. By embracing innovative policies and transitioning towards eco-friendly transportation solutions, Samoa can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in alignment with its global commitments.