NJ Transit ridership increases, activists call for federal funding

Environmental advocates are urging for more federal funding for state transit projects, in order to clear the roads and provide the public with more alternatives for greener traveling.
Figuring out how to maintain and expand public transportation is critical if New Jersey is going to fight global warming, said Doug O’Malley, field director for Environment New Jersey, an environmental advocacy organization. One of the best ways to reduce fossil fuel consumption is to have more transportation options beyond cars.
“People are voting with their feet by driving less and taking more public transportation,” O’Malley said. “Congress should listen to these voters and invest more in public transportation, which will increase our energy independence and reduce global warming.”
Transportation accounts for two-thirds of the state’s dependence on oil and one-third of its carbon dioxide pollution, according to “Getting On Track: Record Transit Ridership Increases Energy Independence,” a new report released by Environment New Jersey.
But in 2008, New Jersey’s record-breaking ridership saved 137 million gallons of gasoline, which is the same amount consumed by more than 239,000 cars, according to the report.
Advocates are calling on Congress to incorporate full provisions of the Clean Low Emissions Affordable New Transportation Equity Act into the federal clean energy bill that is being debated in the Senate.
CLEAN TEA would set aside 10 percent of climate bill allowances for clean transportation efforts, O’Malley said.
More funding could help jumpstart projects such as the Northern Branch Project, an 11-mile extension of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail System that runs from North Bergen to Tenafly, according to the report’s press release.
The completion of this project would fill a mass transit void in eastern Bergen County, where a low percentage of commuters use rail service in comparison to other counties, according to the release.
“The people of our region deserve a convenient, accessible, comfortable, affordable and time-and energy-saving alternative to automobile travel,” Representative Steve Rothman, D-Fair Lawn, said in the release.
Aside from providing more rail service, Rothman said investments in transit projects would lessen America’s dependence on oil, cut carbon pollution and reduce traffic congestion.
Although the report indicates that in 2008 people drove less due in part to volatile gas prices, some would rather drive than rely on public transportation.
As a commuter student, Rutgers College senior Brian Dutton prefers driving instead of public transportation.
“I can leave when I want to. I’m based on my schedule, not [a transit schedule],” Dutton said. “I can park wherever I need to. I don’t have to go to a stop and then go to my destination.”
Dutton said although gas prices are high, paying for gas is just another expense in life.
Traveling to the University either way is costly, said School of Arts and Sciences junior Frank Fusco.
“[The expense for gas] adds up because I generally come six to seven days a week to use the computer labs,” Fusco said.
Fusco, who also commutes, said he would rather not rely on public transportation, but acknowledges the importance of reducing pollution.
O’Malley said global warming is an issue that concerns current University students, who are going to have to deal with the cost of inaction by political leaders today.
“It is so important that [students] get involved and urge our senators to go to the mat and fight for the strongest clean energy and climate bill possible,” O’Malley said. “If we don’t act, we are merely kicking the can down the road and that bill will ultimately come to your generation.”

1 comments

Paul Sauers

Tue Sep 29 2009 23:53

Gas prices are actually very low. We aren't paying anywhere near the societal costs of the production, manufacturing and combustion of gasoline. We need improve alternate transports modes: dedicated bus lanes, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and multi-modal options.

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