Why Transit - Environmental
Energy and climate
Air quality
Smart growth through transit oriented development
References
Additional resources
Energy and climate
From 1996 to 2006, growth in greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, primarily from automobiles, represented almost one-half (47 percent) of the increase in total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.1 Rail transit can help to reverse this trend and provide substantial energy conservation and emission reduction benefits. Rail travel consumes about a fifth of the energy per passenger-mile when compared to automobile travel.2 Already, public transportation in the U.S. saves 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.1 By providing better transportation alternatives, residents of Tampa Bay will have the ability to reduce their carbon footprint in a significant way. Taking public transportation far exceeds the combined benefits of using energy-efficient light bulbs, adjusting thermostats, weatherizing one’s home, and replacing a refrigerator.1 When one individual switches a 20-mile roundtrip commute to public transportation, their annual CO2 emissions will decrease by 4,800 pounds per year. This is equal to a 10 percent reduction in a two-car household’s carbon footprint.1 All in all, the typical public transit rider consumes on average one half of the oil consumed by an automobile rider.3
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Air quality
While many of us may not realize it, air quality in many parts of the Tampa Bay region is actually rather poor. When the EPA releases their updated air quality standards in the coming months, Tampa Bay is expected to be out of compliance, and reliance on cars is one of the major causes. We see the effects of this pollution in spiking asthma rates, especially among young children. Click here to watch a short movie about air pollution and its effects in Tampa Bay.
If we are found out of compliance with federal regulations, then the federal government will be able to withhold our highway funding and take other actions until we address the problem. Investing in public transportation is one of the best, if not the best way to reduce our air pollution.
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Smart growth through transit oriented development
The type of development that occurs along transit lines and particularly around transit stations is referred to as transit oriented development or TOD. TOD is more compact than other forms of development, and tends to follow the principles of smart growth (learn more about smart growth here). TOD offers numerous environmental benefits. To start with, by concentrating development in already urbanized areas, it helps to preserve natural lands in the outskirts. People who live and/or work in a TOD tend to walk, bike and use public transportation more, while driving less. This helps reduce air pollution, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more about TOD by clicking here.
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References
(1) Florida Public Transportation Association, Transit Facts/Benefits, http://floridatransit.org/transitfacts.html
(2) Litman, Victoria Transport Policy Institute, Rail Transit in America: A Comprehensive evaluation of benefits, October 2004.
(3) ICF International, Public Transportation and Petroleum Savings in the U.S.: Reducing Dependence on Oil, Prepared for the American Public Transportation Association, January 2007.
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Additional Resources
EPA Smart Growth Website http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/index.htm
Smart Growth America http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/