Read the Report.
AUSTIN – A new report by TexPIRG
finds that transit systems in Austin, Houston and DFW eliminated the need for
more than 44 million gallons of oil in 2006, saving consumers more $116 million
in saved gasoline costs and avoiding emissions of 270,000 metric tons of carbon
dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas. Austin
transit also prevented what would have otherwise been an additional 1.7 million
hours in traffic delays for drivers. The group pointed to the findings as
evidence that further investments in transit, in particular the creation of an
ultra light rail system for downtown Austin,
will help reduce oil dependency and save consumers money.
“Transit
has a proven track record in reducing oil dependence, traffic congestion, and
global warming pollution,” said Colin McKellips of TexPIRG. “It’s time to kick
it up a notch and create a 21st century transit network for Austin, starting with
ultra-light rail for downtown.”
The TexPIRG report, A Better Way to Go: Meeting America’s 21st Century
Transportation Challenges with Modern Public Transit, examines the challenges faced by America’s
transportation system and the benefits of existing rail and bus projects in Austin and other cities across Texas. Around the country transit saved 3.4 billion
gallons of oil that year, prevented 541 million hours of traffic delay and
reduced global warming pollution by 26 million tons. Demand for public
transportation is booming nationally, with transit trips far outpacing the
growth of auto miles or population since 1995.
Construction
of an ultra light rail, or streetcar, proposal, to connect downtown with the
airport and UT Campus, has long been championed by Mayor Wynn and the Capitol
Area Metro Planning Organization (CAMPO), led by Sen. Kirk Watson. In June 2005,
the Transit Policy Board adopted the CAMPO 2030 Plan, which serves as a guide
for transportation policies, projects and programs over the next 25 years. The
approval of an ultra-light rail circulator, which could be placed before voters
this November, has since been a key focus for the regional planning group. Community
groups have also supported the project as a way to stimulate growth and limit
sprawl while allowing residents to access downtown without getting stuck in
traffic.
According to the Texas
Transportation Institute, Austin stands as the
13th worst metro area in America for congestion. Austin’s public transit
system, though limited, still made a big difference in improving congestion.
Ridership on Austin’s
public transportation in 2005 prevented what would have otherwise been an
additional 1.7 million hours in traffic delays for drivers – or an additional 4
hours for every commuter in the region.
National
public opinion polls show that 53 percent of commuters would take public transportation
if it were easily available near their home and workplace. Likewise, 75 percent
tell pollsters that transit and building communities that require less driving
are best way to fight traffic congestion.
“Austin is one of the best
places in the world to live,” said McKellips. “But as our city grows, traffic,
sprawl and pollution threatens to undermine our
quality of life. A new rail network will make it easier to get around town, get polluting
cars off the road, and help keep Austin unique “
