According to a just released report by APTA (American Public Transit Association), the most powerful weapon you can use to combat global climate change may be a daily transit pass. The Study, Public Transportation's Contribution to U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reduction, which was prepared by Science Applications International Corporation for APTA, points out that commuting by public transit is one of the most significant actions a household member can take to reduce their carbon footprint. According to the report:
"New research shows that a person who rides public transportation instead of driving reduces his or her carbon dioxide output, a harmful greenhouse gas, by more than 20 lbs a day and 4,800 lbs annually. That saves more than weatherizing a home, adjusting a thermostat, switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and replacing older appliances with higher efficiency models, combined. A national climate change strategy that doesn't embrace public transportation has simply missed the bus."
Regarding land use impacts the report says:
"Investments in public transportation have the benefit of supporting higher density land uses that allow for fewer vehicle miles of travel...The results range from a reduction in VMT of between 1.4 miles and 9 miles for every transit passenger mile traveled. The outcome would be more efficient use of roadways, reduced road maintenance, shorter highway commute times and reduced need for street and off- street parking."
What does this mean for us here in Alexandria? It means we need to expand the City's DASH and Metrobus service (and promote other alternatives to driving too). It also means that we should be fighting for higher density development near our Metrorail stations and along our transit corridors. Yes that means here near the Braddock Road and King Street Metrorail Stations.
A good place to start is the Braddock Metro Neighborhood Study. There are workshops on Tuesday, October 16 and Saturday, October 20.
Public Transportation's Contribution to U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fact Sheet
Public Transportation's Contribution to U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Full Report
Related Article: Taking Transit: The Most Effective Route to Cutting Carbon, September 27, 2007; Erica Barnett, WorldChanging
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