Public transportation or public transit is a transport system that moves people from one location to another efficiently and affordably. The popular modes of public transportation include buses, commuter trains, ferries and water taxis, cable cars, streetcars and trolleys, monorails and tramways, and paratransit services (for seniors and people with disabilities), etc.
Public transportation has multiple advantages for the commuters, the community, and the economy. Read on for the top benefits of public transportation.
1. Affordability
One of the top benefits of public transit is affordability. Owning a private car is an expensive investment, not to mention the additional expenses it brings along, such as gas, service and maintenance, parking, and insurance, to mention a few.
Most forms of public transport system charge fixed but affordable rates to move from one area to another. In fact, most of them have a monthly pass service that allows for unlimited rides throughout the region in a month.
The overall cost of using a well-developed public transit system is significantly lower than moving around in a private car.
2. Economic benefits
Local public transportation has many economic benefits for the commuters and the community at large. Public transportation opens up employment opportunities for people who don’t have the ability to use private transport. This way, they get to secure a source of income and often reinvest the money they earn into the economy.
Additionally, investing in public transit yields a high ROI. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), every $1 invested in public transport yields $5 economic returns.
Furthermore, public transit agencies employ many people creating more job opportunities. It also opens up more room for private sector jobs such as snacks and coffee shops near public transit terminus.
Public transportation also increases the value of land and residential property. Land or property near a public transport stop is likely to receive a higher offer than one far from the stop.
3. Improves community mobility
Local and inter-city public transit system increases the freedom of mobility. It allows millions of people to freely commute to work, school, visit family or friends, get to a medical facility, or attend to other personal needs.
And with paratransit services, people living with disabilities and the elderly can also move from one location to another without having to engage a relative or friend to drive them around.
4. Reduces air pollution
A well-developed public transit system reduces the number of vehicles on the road. This reduction means less fuel is burned, reducing pollution from carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas, and other vehicle emissions.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, a standard passenger vehicle emits 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. However, this amount may vary depending on the type of fuel being used and the miles covered.
So, by reducing the number of cars on the road, public transportation can go a long wa in keeping air pollution and global warming at bay.
5. Boosts commuters’ productivity
When moving around using public transport, commuters have the freedom to do other productive things like sleep, read, play games on their phones, or relax. This’s not possible when using private means because when one is behind the wheel, they should only focus on driving and concentrating on the road. In fact, most states have laws against multitasking, for example, using a mobile phone when driving.
This freedom to do other productive things while commuting, coupled with the current technological advancement, means one can even earn while travelling. You can do this through Skedadle, a free money app where you play games and make money.
Wrapping it up
Public transportation is slowly but steadily transforming the transport industry. From hyperloop to drone taxis, the future of public transit is indeed bright.
Local authorities should focus on a well-developed and strategised public transport system to curb global warming, boost economic performance and make travelling more flexible and affordable.
