Fewer and fewer people, particularly among younger generations, want to own a car. There are many reasons for this, including financial pressures, environmental consciousness and a desire not to be tied down by owning major assets. However, the end result is that cities need to adopt more public transportation systems in order to better cater to a new economy. Here are three reasons why this is the case.
Despite popular myths, public transportation systems can be profitable. To be sure, it’s not the norm for a mass transit system to make more money than it loses, but profitability has to be defined broadly when it comes to mass transit. Mass transit is a proven economic-development engine. It is capable of creating jobs that generate significant amounts of tax revenue and new business. This, in turn, can make a city a great place to live, work and play, thus creating a virtuous cycle that makes a city a more desirable place for everyone.
Taking mass transit is safer than driving a car or being a passenger in one. The rate of accidents, injuries and fatalities in mass transit is lower than with car driving. Unfortunately, driving accidents are increasing because drivers are increasingly unsafe and driving distracted. Furthermore, road rage rates are increasing, so why would you want to deal with other drivers? It’s no wonder people are choosing public transportation as a less stressful way to commute.
One of the biggest benefits of a mass transit system is that it is extremely environmentally friendly. Mass transit takes cars off the road. This increases air quality and removes gasoline and other pollutants from the air. Studies show that cities with active mass transit systems have better air quality, particularly if they incorporate subway systems or light rail that does not emit any greenhouse gases.
The benefits of a robust mass transit system are significant. They can clean the environment, generate revenue, create jobs and more. Furthermore, they seem to be the wave of the future. Millennials and younger generations simply don’t want to own cars. Instead, they want to rely on more flexible transportation systems that create less commitment and allow for greater flexibility. They also seek transportation solutions that are better for the environment. If cities want to prepare for the future, they simply must have a reliable mass transit system.
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