Without transportation, people would have limitations on where they can go and could not choose the destination they would want to reach.
While there are multiple ways to commute, private transportation doesn’t solve the full issue when it comes to traveling in general.
According to the New York Times, one-third of greenhouse gas emissions come from gasoline-driven cars in America.
And to minimize climate harm, President Joe Biden’s administration got involved to create a $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework under his ‘Build Back Better’ vision to invest in a more clean transportation system, along with other initiatives.
Although Congress passed the plan, there’s still an ongoing process as to how it’s going to be implemented. Some actions include rebuilding roads and bridges, investing $89 billion in making public transit systems more accessible and distributing $66 billion in Amtrak for maintenance and increasing more options of transportation all throughout the nation.
Even though there’s a lot more to public transportation than increasing the number of buses around the neighborhoods, one thing is clear—people need access to public transportation.
The problem is with the underfunded and unsupportive environment.
Georgia Institute of Technology Transportation Management expert Catherine Ross said that commuting choices have been limited to the public because of the infrastructure set mainly for automobiles.
And when it comes to providing access to people, there’s nothing wrong with demanding a better and more modernized version of it.
There are other options including calling for an Uber or Lyft, carpooling, riding a bike or walking but why only advocate for individualistic design?
Not everyone can afford that luxury.
The continuation of individual transportation on the road doesn’t help either as the U.S. Federal government spends $50 billion annually on the foundations set for private vehicles in comparison to $17 billion spent annually on maintaining these transit systems (The New York Times).
These modes of transportation are integral to the public, as it contributes to their moods.
Advocating for public transit doesn’t mean neglecting private ones.
Instead, it allows everyone to have their choice and go at their own pace, even if it means going on the bus or train.
