We believe that public transportation is an important common good, as a robust public transit service can significantly improve the quality of life for everyone. Watch the video below and listen as VAIPL staff interview GRTC riders, and learn of their lived experiences and critiques on the local transit system.

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THE ISSUE

The transportation sector is responsible for the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. To reduce carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions from this sector, we must transition the commuting population to alternative sources of mobility.

Expanding and modernizing public transit is one of the best ways to reduce emissions from single-occupancy vehicles. To increase public use of transit in Virginia, we must address historic Jim Crow-era policies embedded in various transit authorities, which have prevented robust public transit options for many localities. Approximately 9% of the U.S. population does not own a car. There are various reasons one may not own a vehicle. Without reliable transit, low-income communities have few options to access the ladders of economic mobility. Communities need public transit to secure stable employment, access to shopping, medical appointments, and cultural events. Increasing the quality of coverage and frequency of routes will support upward mobility for low-income communities while attracting new ridership.

When everyone can access public transit and alternative mobility options, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create economic growth, reduce poverty, and raise air quality as well as the quality of life for everyone.