Public transportation a wise investment

The Island Now

The annual mobility report conducted by the University of Texas ranked the Metropolitan New York area fourth nationally for worst traffic.

 Millions of Americans including many residing in Great Neck, New Hyde Park, Herricks, Williston Park, Garden City along with other neighborhoods in Town of North Hempstead, Nassau and adjacent Queens County on a daily basis utilize various public transportation alternatives to deal with traffic congestion. They include local and express bus, ferry, jitney, light rail, subway and commuter rail services. 

All of these systems use less fuel and move far more people than conventional single occupancy vehicles. Most of these systems are funded with your tax dollars. Depending upon where you live, consider the public transportation alternative. Try riding a local or express bus, commuter van, ferry, light rail, commuter rail or subway. 

Fortunately we have the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and its various operating agencies, including New York City Transit subway and bus, Long Island Rail Road, Metro North Rail Road, Staten Island Rapid Transit Authority, and MTA Bus.  Don’t forget Nassau Inter County Express (NICE) which in a previous life was Long Island Bus.  There are also New Jersey Transit (NJT), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PATH) and New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Staten Island Ferry.

Using MTA metro cards provides free transfers between the subway and bus. This has eliminated the old two-fare zones making public transportation an even better bargain. Purchasing a monthly Long Island Rail Road or MTA subway/bus pass reduces the cost per ride and provides virtually unlimited trips.

 Elected officials and government employees can turn in their taxpayers funded vehicles and join the rest of us by using public transportation to get around town. In many cases, employers can offer transit checks which help subsidize a portion of the costs. Utilize this and reap the benefits. It supports a cleaner environment. 

Many employers now allow employees to telecommute and work from home. Others use alternative work schedules which afford staff the ability to avoid rush hour gridlock. This saves travel time and can improve mileage per gallon. Join a car or van pool to share the costs of commuting. 

The ability to travel from home to workplace, school, shopping, entertainment, medical, library etc. is a factor when moving to a new neighborhood. Economically successful communities are not 100 percent dependent on automobiles as the sole means of mobility. 

Seniors, students, low- and middle-income people need these transportation alternatives. Investment in public transportation today contributes to economic growth, employment and a stronger economy. Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best investments we can make.

 

Larry Penner

Great Neck

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