Yesterday, the Washington Post reported that despite falling gas prices and rising unemployment, there was still a 6.5% increase in mass transit across the country. This is an encouraging trend, and one that should be applauded.
The American Public Transportaion Association responded to President-Elect Obama’s call for transportation infrastructure improvements as a part of a broader economic stimulus package by stating that their member agencies had over 700 projects ready to start 90 days of receiving federal funding, with the potential to create 340, 000 new jobs.
Public transportation is a great way to help reduce our carbon footprint and dependency on foreign oil, too. Buses and trains provide reliable transportation while reducing emissions.
Public transit can help enhance a sense of community. I have met some really nice people on the bus and subway here in San Francisco who I otherwise would not have met had I been driving. Many people write about their experiences while riding public transit, which brings us all closer together. Wonderful websites such as Overheard in New York and Bus Chick, Transit Authority wouldn’t exist. The creative impulse and inspiration provided by public transit help people feel connected to each other.
This is the sort of bailout the country needs, not giving billions to the financial services sector: more jobs, fewer pollutants, less oil use, greater sense of community.
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