Get Involved in Public Transportation Planning
Public Transportation and the Environment
Public transportation reduces CO2 emissions by 37 million metric tons every year in the United States. It also lessens our dependence on oil, reduces traffic, and boosts the economy . People that live in a close proximity to public transportation drive 4,400 miles less per year than those that do not.
What Does Planning Involve?
In the first steps in creating a public transportation system, locally appointed government officials gather together with transportation agencies to form a Metropolitan Planning Organization. This group functions to establish a fair and impartial setting to make decisions, to identify and evaluate alternate transportation options, to prepare a long term transportation plan, to develop a short term transportation plan, and to include the public in this planning process. For more information about developing a transportation system visit the Department of Transportation.
What Is My Role?
Planning a transportation system requires identifying underserved areas, addressing population demands, developing a transportation plan, and implementing that plan. One way to get involved is to attend a local public meeting. Here you can share your ideas, learn about your community and the plan for developing a public transportation system. You can also serve on an advisory committee, participate in a survey, or even conduct your own survey in your neighborhood. Surveys are a great way to identify underserved neighborhoods and populations. Collecting and organizing public opinion is an important part of developing an effective plan. Contact your local public transportation organization for more ways to get involved. You can also visit the website for the Department of Transportation to find local contact information, webinars, and additional resources.