By Jack Shaw, Syndicated Columnist
Transportation is crucial for commuting to work, purchasing essential goods and interacting with others in the community. Changing transit policies have affected urban and rural areas by revitalizing their economies.
For decades, Americans have increasingly depended on cars to get around. Statista says the United States has about 282 million vehicles registered, while the Census Bureau reports 91.7% of households have at least one car.
While cars provide essential transportation for many, local communities have instituted transportation policies to positively impact the economy and residents. Increasing public transit is a common first step to lessen commute times and build better infrastructure.
People in rural communities typically require a passenger vehicle for their commutes. However, these residents might not own a car or have reliable access to public transportation, making them rely on others for travel. Providing more options improves their economic livelihood and impact on the community.
Burlington, North Carolina, is a solid example of using transportation policies to improve the lives of rural residents. In 2016, the small city instituted Link Transit to increase mobility for locals and visitors.
The city says that since 2016, it has assisted 300,000 people in reaching their destinations. Burlington later made the bus service free and expanded it until 8 p.m. while adding more routes.
People who have more transportation options can better support their community. Public transit increases the number of individuals visiting city centers without adding traffic congestion.
These transportation policies add a few benefits.
First, local businesses receive support more often from customers who previously couldn’t have traveled to the city. Helping people patronize these companies encourages city leaders to revitalize downtowns and historic neighborhoods.
Breathing new life into a city gives it character and entices people to relocate there. Additionally, increasing transportation provides more job opportunities. Remote work has risen recently, but it may not be an option for everyone in nonurban areas.
The increase of delivery drivers on the road is changing the face of transportation. The online grocery market alone is expected to reach $240 billion by 2025 and double that in the decade to come. This contributes to an uptick in needed delivery vehicles, changing the flow of traffic. Creating new opportunities for public transit and alternative methods of transportation can limit the traffic congestion associated with the extra vehicles.
Another benefit of expanded transportation services is access to health care. Considering the number of hospital closures, people living in rural areas may have trouble accessing medical services. The University of North Carolina says 136 closures and conversions have occurred since 2010. Helping residents access these facilities can improve their health and positively impact the economy.
Besides public transit, various cities have focused on making their busiest areas more walkable and pedestrian-friendly in response to growing populations. Adjusting the sidewalks to increase accessibility for walkers and cyclists encourages outdoor activity and connects people to various businesses. Plus, it makes transportation more efficient for those on the go.
Expanding sidewalks and walkability also make cities safer. Many communities have walkways close to the street due to interstates and highways cutting through. Letting cars drive too close increases the risk of injuries for pedestrians and drivers crashing into buildings.
Some cities have instituted lower speed limits to make walking more enticing around town and keep pedestrians safe. For example, Portland, Oregon, created 20 mph speed limits to curb fast drivers and protect those on the sidewalk.
A 2022 Portland State University study found the number of drivers going 35 mph or faster decreased by nearly 50% after implementing the law. Additionally, cars traveling 30 mph or quicker fell by 33%. Being smarter with speed limits encourages pedestrians to walk more and participate in the community.
Hillsboro, Virginia, decreased speed limits and adjusted the road design for pedestrians. The small town converted intersections into roundabouts and added new sidewalks to assist children walking to school and other pedestrians. While they seem small, these adjustments positively impact the economy and locals’ well-being.
Another significant economic benefit of transportation policies is the reduced environmental impact. Research shows public transportation reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 45% compared to passenger vehicles.
Demonstrating sustainability may entice small and large businesses to open shops and provide jobs in the area, thus boosting a community’s economic viability. A 2022 Quickbooks survey finds 72% of small-business owners believe sustainability is important for the economy’s future.
In recent years, cities nationwide have seen the economic benefits of intelligent transportation policies. Letting drivers and pedestrians coexist increases safety, economic viability and morale. Safer cities encourage people and businesses to relocate and create sustainable communities. Burlington, Portland and Hillsboro are only a few examples of places using transit plans for the greater good.
