John Moeser
Location | Richmond
“Public transit may be optional for many Richmonders, but it is essential for thousands of others who do not own a car, need a good job, but who live miles away from large employment clusters. In fact, 19% of all households in the city do not own a car. When one combines that 19% with the percent of all the households in Richmond that only have one car, the proportion soars to 64%!
The concentration of poverty is perhaps the most serious issue facing our region and it must be addressed on many fronts, though certainly one of the most important fronts is transportation. Two disturbing phenomena are occurring simultaneously. First, the numbers of those living in poverty are increasing and, second, the distances separating employment opportunity from employment need are getting greater.
If we care at all about fellow Richmonders whose income is far below what is necessary to make ends meet, then those of us who are more fortunate need to speak out and join our voice with that of our fellow Richmonders who are pleading for the extension of bus lines throughout the metropolis.”
Other Info:
“I’m Professor Emeritus of Urban Studies and Planning at Virginia Commonwealth University and Senior Fellow with the University of Richmond Bonner Center for Civic Engagement. My favorite pastime is spoiling my grandchildren.”