As gasoline prices go up and up, the next time you get upset when filling your gasoline tank, please consider the public transportation alternative. Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Transit, and the New York City Department of Transportation along with various private operators, provide such services.
Try riding a local or express bus, commuter van, ferry, commuter rail or subway. In most cases, these transportation systems are funded with your tax dollars. All of these systems use less fuel and move far more people than conventional single occupancy vehicles.
In many cases, your employer can offer transit checks which help subsidize a portion of the costs. Utilize your investments and reap the benefits. You’ll be supporting a cleaner environment and be less stressed upon arrival at your final destination.
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. You could 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 for staying in your community and not moving on to a new neighborhood.
Economically successful communities are not 100 percent dependent on automobiles as the sole means of mobility. Seniors, students, and low and middle income people need these transportation alternatives. Let others do the driving and there will be more time to enjoy reading great publications like this one.
Larry Penner
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