Public transportation plays a significant role in finding smart solutions to the challenges facing America today. Increased investment in public transportation is an investment in American energy independence and economic security.
Public transportation reduces our dependence on oil
- Public transportation saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually.
- Public transportation use saves the equivalent of 900,000 automobile fill-ups every day.
- According to the most recent Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) report on congestion, individuals who live in areas served by public transportation save more than 300 million gallons of fuel annually.
Public transportation gives individuals affordable, energy-efficient alternative transportation choices
- An individual can achieve an average annual savings of more than $9,900 by taking public transportation instead of driving and by living with one less car.
- Household residents living within the proximity of public transportation drive an average of 4,400 fewer miles annually compared to those with no access to public transportation.
- The average household in which at least one member uses public transportation on a given day drives 16 fewer miles per day compared to a household that does not use public transportation.
- Expanded public transit strategies coordinated with combining travel activity, land use development, and operational efficiencies are estimated to save as much as $112 billion as compared to annual savings in vehicle costs to consumers.
Beyond the energy benefits, by investing now in public transportation we can also strengthen our economy, protect our environment, and enhance our quality of life.
As America looks for solutions to today's challenges, and begins planning for a better tomorrow, public transportation takes us there.