As someone who does
not drive, I rely on public transportation a lot and appreciate the current
system we have in San Francisco. San Francisco has balanced transportation
choices which make getting around relatively easy and actually better than
driving when you consider parking and traffic. I definitely agree that public
transportation use has an association with health, social, and environmental
benefits. I am within walking distance of stores and places I need to go.
Trader Joes is about a 1.5 mile walk and Whole Foods is about 1.7 miles away so
I enjoy walking to either store on weekends. I also have a bus stop right on my
corner that connects me to the Muni-rail and Bart. Though I would also say that
public transportation is far from perfect and can actually be stress inducing
when you rely on a bus or train to get you somewhere on time but there are
often many delays. The cleanliness of public transportation is also an issue
and germs and sickness can easily be spread.
It is important to
note that not all cities or counties have an easily accessible transportation
system. Rural areas also have far less access and this can be a good indicator
of harm to health within these communities, especially for low-income
neighborhoods where residents cannot afford a car. Also, low-income and
communities of color are more likely to be near a major highway and they are
exposed to greater emissions of air pollution. The American Public Health
Association is advocating for the improvement of transportation policies as they
plan with Transportation for America.
San Francisco is a city that public transportation is relatively easy. I really like how you brought up the fact that not all cities or counties have easily accessible transportation. I live in Half Moon Bay, and it is virtually impossible for me to get out of town without taking my own car. Public transportation is good if it is easily accessible and comes frequently, like you describe in your post.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marisa!
-Kera
Hello Marisa,
ReplyDeleteSan Francisco highlights their direction towards centralized public transportation. I wish is were more easily accessible as it would help with the carbon footprint. I think if there were less delays, there would be less stress and people would be more fond of public transportation. Since public transit hasn't been so reliable in accessibility, scheduling, and cleanliness, it makes it less ideal to use the bus, train, or subway. I think we will eventually move towards this approach, but until then, I think there will still be many cars in use until public transit is established.
Hi Marisa,
ReplyDeleteI wish public transportation were more accessible and convenient for me. The quality and risk of communicable diseases is of concern, but if we were to have higher cleaning standards for public transportation systems, I'm sure they will be appeal to others!
Carmen