Increased demand for public transit following changes in climate and the economy
Public transit is an environmentally conscious means of transportation that works in favor of those living in non-walkable communities. It benefits people who want or need to save money on travel costs. It supports people who, for whatever reason, are unable to drive themselves.
Accessible and affordable public transportation is a vital part of a well-functioning society with respect for all of its members and the environment.
We do not have to travel far past the boundaries of campus to see that the area we live in is not walkable. Riddled with five lane highways and constant heavy traffic, traveling by foot is risky. The safety of the community is inherently valuable, and public transportation assures safer relocation from point A to point B.
Public transportation makes up for unsafe and unrealistic pedestrian conditions.
We live in one of many areas that are heavily dependent on motor vehicles for getting around, but that does not mean everyone living in those areas can afford their own car.
This becomes a matter of socioeconomic justice. People need money to buy cars, and people need to work to make money. If they cannot yet afford a car to get them to their place of employment, then they are rendered unable to work and consequently unable to make money.
Public transportation gives people of a lower socioeconomic status the opportunity to improve their conditions.
Using public transportation is substantially more affordable. People who use public transportation save the money it takes to buy a car. They also do not have to pay for car insurance, gas, or vehicle maintenance; these costs add up quickly.
On a related note, some people cannot drive for reasons unassociated with affordability. For example, some people are unable to drive themselves because of medical conditions. These people still deserve to safely and reliably get from one place to another.
Taking public transit instead of driving cars is also environmentally beneficial.
Cars contribute to global warming as they release carbon dioxide, the most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas. Furthermore, they release other pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide which harms human health, harms vegetation, and causes acid rain.
Using public transportation reduces energy use and the emission of damaging pollutants.
Public transportation benefits community members and the environment; it is a valuable resource and should be regarded as such. In order to capitalize on these benefits, public transportation should be implemented in a way that is safe, affordable, and dependable.
By Evelyn Weaver
erweaver@vwu.edu
