There is no question that America needs a new industry to save our economy. Gas prices have fluctuated tremendously over the past few years, even doubling at times. We need fast, safer, and greener modes of travel to alleviate global warming concerns and travel expenses. “Transit services significantly reduce the nation’s oil consumption of fossil fuels. In 2006, transit saved more than three and a half billion gallons of gasoline in the United States, enough to fuel five point eight million cars for a year. In monetary terms, public transit saved Americans more than nine billion that would have been spent on gasoline (26, Baxandall).” Transit reduced global warming pollution by nearly twenty six million metric tons nation wide in 2006, the equivalent of taking four point nine million cars off the road (30, Baxandall). The heavy use of carbon intensive diesel fuel in many transit vehicles erodes the global warming benefits of transit in some cases, while the use of electricity and alternative fuels such as natural gas can boost the global warming benefits of other transit systems.
Mass transit is a good decision for every community, be it rural or metropolitan. Mass transit helps to alleviate tremendous amounts of congestion from rush hour traffic. Mass transit also provides a cleaner option for Americans who are concerned about global warming and the health effect that accompany it. Mass transit can also help to reduce the massive amount of DWI conviction in America, as well as save lives lost to them. Light rail systems provide a less stressful, cheaper, and faster commute free from the noise and wasted time associated with rush hour traffic. Mass transit systems boost property values and help with new job creation. Mass transit also helps to provide more travel options whether it is used as a back up option or as a regular form of commute for the elderly, low income, or the young. Americans deserve more choices and if mass transit was marketed correctly then it would be an obvious choice. America is in an era of change in which Americans can choose to follow our current path or move in a new faster, cleaner, and cheaper direction. Mass transit is the future for the nation, the hard part is proving that to Americans.
