The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) in California, USA, officially announced an ambitious low-emission vehicle-centric mobility research and demonstration project on March 27, 2026, aimed at improving mobility for everyone. The core objective of this project is to provide sustainable and accessible transportation solutions to all local residents by utilizing various low-emission vehicle technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles, and hydrogen cars. The Project Study Report (PSR) released by the SCCRTC presents preliminary research findings and future directions, exploring how low-emission vehicles can achieve social inclusivity and freedom of movement beyond mere environmental protection. Low-emission vehicles refer to those that use alternative fuel sources, emitting little to no exhaust gases, and encompass various technologies such as electric batteries, plug-in hybrid systems, and hydrogen fuel cells. By integrating these eco-friendly vehicle technologies into the regional transportation system, the Commission aims to improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and, most importantly, create an environment where all residents, regardless of their background, can travel safely and conveniently. A key reason this project is drawing attention is its inclusive approach, dubbed 'mobility for all.' While many existing eco-friendly transportation policies have focused solely on environmental goals, the SCCRTC emphasizes building a system that benefits all residents, irrespective of their economic circumstances, physical conditions, or residential areas. This is considered an innovative endeavor as it enhances the efficiency of public transportation systems, organically integrates diverse modes of transport, and provides equal mobility opportunities, especially for residents in transportation-underserved areas. The SCCRTC's project consists of several stages. The first stage involves a detailed analysis of current regional traffic patterns and resident travel demand, along with an assessment of the anticipated environmental and social impacts of introducing low-emission vehicles. The second stage focuses on piloting public transport vehicles such as electric and hydrogen buses, and developing plans for charging infrastructure to support the transition to personal low-emission vehicles. The third stage is a practical demonstration project. Low-emission vehicles will be operated on selected routes and areas, collecting real-time data and incorporating resident feedback to continuously improve the system. Hydrogen vehicle technology, in particular, holds a significant position in this project. Unlike electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer advantages such as short refueling times and long driving ranges, making them suitable for long-distance public transport or commercial vehicles. The SCCRTC is exploring the feasibility of establishing hydrogen infrastructure, envisioning an integrated low-emission mobility ecosystem where EVs and hydrogen vehicles complement each other. This multi-layered approach demonstrates the Commission's commitment to finding optimal solutions tailored to regional characteristics, rather than relying on a single technology. The transition to low-emission vehicle-centric mobility is also a global trend. As climate change mitigation emerges as humanity's most urgent task, reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector has become an essential goal. Many countries, including the United States, are setting deadlines for phasing out internal combustion engine vehicle sales and investing vast resources in developing low-emission vehicle technologies and infrastructure. Santa Cruz County's case is significant in that it presents a concrete and actionable model at the local government level within this global trend. So, what implications can this U.S. case offer to other countries, particularly South Korea? Korea is also actively pursuing the widespread adoption of low-emission vehicles and the establishment of eco-friendly mobility systems. The Korean government has declared a 2050 carbon neutrality goal and emphasizes the transformation of the transportation sector as a key means to achieve it. Purchase subsidies for EVs and hydrogen cars are in operation, and charging infrastructure continues to be expanded. **Analysis of Eco-Friendly Policy Cases in Korean Local Governments** In major Korean cities, pilot operations of electric and hydrogen buses are already underway. Seoul is pushing ahead with plans to convert a significant portion of its city buses to electric, and other metropolitan cities like Busan and Daegu are implementing similar policies. Furthermore, Korea, as a global powerhouse in battery technology, possesses competitiveness in producing core components for electric vehicles. Hyundai Motor and Kia are expanding their global market share in the EV and hydrogen car sectors, continuously imp
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