US greenhouse gas emissions can be curbed through smart transportation strategies, according to a US Department of Transportation (DoT) report.

The report, which has been submitted to Congress, highlights the effectiveness of raising vehicle fuel economy and carbon efficiency of fuels, improving transportation system and reducing travel in lowering carbon emissions.

Improved and coordinated public transportation, walking, cycling, better transportation pricing and system management can reduce transportation greenhouse emissions by 17% by 2030, the DoT report said.

The report also claimed the 27% increase in carbon emissions from transportation between 1990 and 2007 accounted for nearly half of the total national increase.

The report says burning fuel to run vehicles accounts for about 29% of all emissions, with 59% of this coming from light-duty vehicles and 19% from freight trucks.