Why Sustainable Transportation?

The costs of the car economy

People need transportation to satisfy basic needs, participate in community, and take charge of their lives. Transportation is vital to the economic and cultural life of a community. Private cars have brought mobility for many, but at a cost.

Ever-expanding roads and parking eat up land and money. Vehicle exhaust is linked to rising asthma (1), and accounted for nearly one third (and rising) of all US greenhouse gas emissions in 2006 (2). Transportation in the U.S. uses more than twice the amount of oil we produce (3). At the same time, we suffer an unprecedented epidemic of obesity and other ill effects of less active lifestyles.

The high price tag of owning a vehicle, second only to housing for most households, keeps many on the edge or in debt. Many others don't drive, can't afford gas or repairs, or can't afford a car at all. For those left out of the 'car economy,' it can be hard to reach food, work, healthcare, friends, and family, and to exercise leadership in the community. When this happens, the whole community suffers.

Win-win solutions

Fortunately, many of the same transportation solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions are good for local neighborhoods. Many of the same options that increase health and well-being are the most affordable. Transportation choices that use fewer resources often support greater access for those without their own cars.

The Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council's 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan embraces these commonly held community goals of equity, economic vitality and a high quality of life for all. But transportation innovation is only half the answer. This vision can not be achieved without community education and empowerment.

Way2Go arises from this need for clean, green, affordable and accessible transportation for all. ‘Green’ transportation is vital to achieve social equity and slow climate change, and is an integral part of a green economy. By looking forward and making changes now, we can create a more desirable future for our community and our world.

References

1) Article in the New York Times
2) From the US Environmental Protection Agency
3) From the US DOE Transportation Data Book

Last Updated: May 22, 2012