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| Photo: Steve Zarzeci |
In a few weeks the TPO will make a decision that
will affect us for decades to come here in South Dade. They will decide the
mode of Mass Transit on the South Dade Transit Corridor (US-1). It should be
clear to everyone that elevated MetroRail is the only viable solution
for South Dade.
So, what will we gain from a
decision to choose elevated MetroRail? And more importantly, what will we LOSE
if they make the wrong choice?
From:
American Public Transportation Association, Washington, DC, 2017
Public transportation in the
United States is a crucial part of the solution to the nation’s economic,
energy, and environmental challenges - helping to bring a better quality of
life. In increasing numbers, people are using public transportation and local
communities are expanding public transit services. Every segment of American
society - individuals, families, communities, and businesses - benefits from
public transportation.
Public Transportation Saves
Money
•According to APTA’s Transit Saving Report, a two-person
household can save, on the average, more than $9,823 a year by downsizing to
(or only using) one car.
(To calculate your individual savings, with or without car
ownership or use, go to http://www.publictransportation.org/tools/fuelsavings/Pages/default.aspx )
•Public transportation
provides an affordable, and for many, necessary, alternative to driving.
Public Transportation Provides
Economic Opportunities & Drives Community Growth and Revitalization
•Public transportation offers
individuals access to jobs.
•87 percent of public transit
trips impact the economy.
•Every $1 invested in public
transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns.
•Every $1 billion invested in
public transportation supports and creates more than 50,000 jobs.
•Every $10 million in capital
investment in public transportation yields $32 million in increased business
sales.
•Residential property values performed 42 percent better on
average if they were located near public transportation with high-frequency
service.
Public Transportation
Enhances Personal Opportunities
•Public transportation
provides personal mobility and freedom for people from every walk of life.
•Access to public
transportation gives people transportation options to get to work, go to
school, visit friends, or go to a doctor’s office.
•Public transportation
provides access to job opportunities for millions of Americans.
Public Transportation Saves
Fuel, Reduces Congestion
•Public transportation has a
proven record of reducing congestion.
•The latest research shows
that in 2011, U.S. public transportation use saved 865 million hours in travel
time and 450 million gallons of fuel in 498 urban areas.
•Without public
transportation, congestion costs in 2011 would have risen by nearly $21 billion
from $121 billion to $142 billion in 498 urban areas.
•Public transportation use in
the United States saves 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually.
•Households near public
transit drive an average of 4,400 fewer miles than households with no access to
public transit.
Public Transportation
Reduces Carbon Footprint
•Public transportation use in
the United States reduces our nation’s carbon emissions by 37 million metric
tons annually. This is equivalent to Washington, DC; New York City; Atlanta;
Denver; and Los Angeles combined stopping using electricity.
•One person with a 20-mile
round trip commute who switches from driving to public transit can reduce his
or her daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds, or more than 4,800 pounds in a
year.
•A single commuter switching
his or her commute to public transportation can reduce a household’s carbon
emissions by 10 percent and up to 30 percent if he or she eliminates a second
car.
These benefits will not come to
South Miami-Dade if a sub-standard, inadequate mass transit system is chosen.
Make South Miami-Dade into an
attractive, prosperous, first-class community. Choose elevated MetroRail.
