Why not just take bus instead?

To the editor:

July marked the 55th anniversary of federal government support for public transportation.

The success of public transportation can be traced back to one of the late President Lyndon B. Johnson’s greatest accomplishments, which continues benefitting many Americans today.

On July 9, 1964, he signed the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964 into law. Subsequently, this has resulted in the investment over time of several hundred billion dollars into public transportation.

Millions of Americans — including many residing in the Bronx today on a daily basis — utilize various public transportation alternatives. They include local and express bus, ferry, jitney, light rail, subway and commuter rail services. All of these systems use less fuel and move far more people than conventional single-occupancy vehicles.

Most of these systems are funded with your tax dollars thanks to President Johnson.

Depending on where you live, consider the public transportation alternative. Try riding a local or express bus, commuter van, ferry, light rail, commuter rail or subway.

Fast forward to today. Fortunately, we have the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and its various operating agencies, including NYC Transit subway and bus, Metro-North Rail Road, Long Island Rail Road, MTA Bus and Westchester Bee Line Bus.

Using MTA MetroCards provides free transfers between the subway and bus. This has eliminated the old two-fare zones making public transportation an even better bargain. Purchasing a monthly Metro-North or MTA subway/buss pass reduces the cost per ride and provides virtually unlimited trips.

In many cases, employers can offer transit checks, which help subsidizes a portion of the costs. Utilize this and reap the benefits. It supports a cleaner environment.

Many employers now allow employees to telecommute and work from home. Others use alternative work schedules which afford staff the ability to avoid rush-hour gridlock. This saves travel time and can improve mileage per gallon.

Join a carpool or vanpool to share the costs of commuting.

The ability to travel from home to work place, school, shopping, entertainment, medical, library, etc., is a factor when moving to a new neighborhood.

Economically successful communities are not 100 percent dependent on automobiles as the sole means of mobility. Seniors, students, low- and middle-income people need these transportation alternatives.

Investment in public transportation today contributes to economic growth, employment and a stronger economy. Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best investments we can make.

Larry Penner

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