PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION REDUCES GREENHOUSE GASES AND HELPS OUR ENVIRONMENT: |
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Public transportation reduces the nation’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric
tons annually – equivalent to the electricity used by 4.9 million households. To achieve
similar reduction in carbon emissions, every household in New York City, Washington, DC,
Atlanta, Denver and Los Angeles combined would have to completely stop using electricity. |
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If an individual switches a 20-mile round-trip commute to public transportation his or
her annual CO2 emissions will fall by 4,800 pounds per year, equal to a 10 percent reduction
in a two-car household’s carbon footprint. |
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION EASES TRAFFIC CONGESTION: |
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According to the most recent Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) report on congestion,
public transportation saved travelers 541 million hours in travel time and 340 million
gallons of fuel. |
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If public transit systems had never existed in American cities and their effects on our
urban landscapes were completely erased, American households would drive 102.2 billion more
miles per year. |
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IMPROVES AIR QUALITY: |
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Public transportation reduces pollution and helps promote cleaner air. |
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By reducing smog-producing pollutants, greenhouse gases and by conserving ecologically
sensitive lands and open spaces -- public transportation is helping to meet national air
quality standards. |
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CREATES COMMUNITY BENEFITS: |
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Public transportation fosters transit orientated development that provides convenient
access to public transportation and integration of transit in the community. |
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Public transportation revitalizes neighborhoods, increases social interaction and
pedestrian activity, enhances safety, and helps create a sense of “place” that will help
make a community unique and special. |
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOSTERS HEALTHY LIFESTYLES: |
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Public transportation fosters a more active lifestyle, encouraging more people to walk,
bike and jog to transit stops. An analysis of 2001 National Household Travel Survey data of
transit users finds that walking to and from transit helps inactive persons attain a significant
portion of the recommended minimum daily exercise they need. |
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PROVIDES ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY: |
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Every $1 invested in public transportation projects generates approximately
$6 in local economic activity. |
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Public transportation enhances local rural economic growth in many ways,
increasing the local customer base for a range of services -- shopping malls,
restaurants, medical facilities and other transportation services. |
