The switch from petrol guzzlers to electric wheels is a priority in the race to decarbonise transport but Australia could be underplaying a complementary policy lever.

Reducing car dependence in favour of more trips via bus, bike and foot was once the main game for slashing roads emissions but as the electric vehicle market has matured, "mode shift" has taken a back seat.

"This is a massive policy blindside," says RMIT sustainability and urban planning lecturer Liam Davies.

Dr Davies spoke to AAP after the federal government released its plan to decarbonise transport , unveiled as one of six sector road maps to meet its commitment to cut emissions by 62-70 per cent by 2035.

Moving people and goods from A to B is directly responsible for 22 per cent of Australia's greenhouse gas emiss

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