Linda Turner
Location | Richmond
“I was raised in a town in New Jersey about 25 miles west of New York City. I didn’t appreciate the town’s attributes as a child but looking back I am grateful for the experience. I walked to school and town, to the bus and train station. I biked to the library, community pool and YMCA. I spent many summers hanging-out in the student lounge and tennis courts at Drew University. I wasn’t dependent on my parents to drive me to most activities. I am sad for today’s children who are dependent on their parents to drive them to all their entertainment. Parents are also stressed by the demands of transporting kids to friend’s homes and activities. After years of suburban sprawl and longer commutes, people are realizing the benefits of more accessible communities and better transportation choices.
Public transportation should be improved and made more available to serve the needs of all citizens. While the ideal solution would be to develop communities that encourage residents to walk more and drive less, we still must serve the needs of current residents.
Better public transportation is the best long-term answer to traffic congestion, and it must be improved and made more available. Because of sprawl we have increased our reliance on cars. This has contributed to more congestion, increased personal expenses, more pollutants in the environment, unattractive space for huge parking lots, more isolation and increased road expenses. The Southeast corridor is expected to grow 26% and we need to consider transportation options for more productive, economical and healthier choices.
According to the Housing & Transportation affordability index, for most families, transportation is the second largest household expense A community’s average transportation costs can range from 12% of household income in efficient neighborhoods with walkable streets, access to transit, and a wide variety of stores and services to 32% in locations where driving long distances is the only way to reach essential services. When communities have few transportation options and require driving long distances for basic necessities, already stressed household budgets are very vulnerable to spikes in gas prices and rising transportation costs.” According to Scott Bernstein, president and founder of CNT.
There’s a shift occurring and people are becoming more aware of better way to live. Mixed-use development has gained popularity and there’s an increase desire to move closer to cities with less dependence on cars. By nature, we are social characters and mass transit, sidewalks & bike trails keeps us connected to others and develops a greater sense of community.
The shift in demographics with the aging baby boomers is another reason for improved transportation solutions. Due to health, financial or other limitations with aging, this fast growing segment of the population will need alternative transportation options to take care of daily needs. There’s a real concern of isolation when people age & part of the reason can be the lack of transportation. We need to plan and provide for a better quality of life for our seniors.
We are constantly connected to technology and being a passenger allows us to safely use our laptops, smart phones, or relax listening to music. The distraction using technology devices while driving, has increased traffic accidents. Mass transportation also allows us to be more productive and safe.
A good mass transportation system improves the experience for out of town visitors. Most tourists are not familiar with getting around a new city. They prefer comfortable and reliable transportation options to help them reach different destinations without the stress of driving in an unfamiliar area and the problem with where to park. Offering a convenient transportation system improves the tourist experience and a positive impression of the city.
It is encouraging to see a greater awareness of people discussing the need for transportation choices. This is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a ‘have to have’ to best serve the needs of our growing and changing community.”