GAS PRICES SKYROCKET: PUBLIC TRANSIT AS AN AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE
Gas prices are at a shocking high, and they’re expected to remain that way. This may push consumers to consider alternatives to traditional car-based transportation – but what are those options? There are several possibilities, and most fall into the broad categories of electric transit, public transit, and active transit – this post will zero in on the benefits of and difficulties with public transportation.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: THE BASICS
Public transit – think taking the bus, subway, or metro – reduces consumers’ gas budgets, and it has some major selling points. This transport method is affordable and sustainable. It also includes an active component (think walking to the bus stop), so it promotes a healthier lifestyle.
However, access is easily the biggest drawback. The reality of relying on public transport differs depending on factors like location, health, and mobility factors.
WHERE'S THE NEAREST BUS STOP?
Public transit coverage is not widespread enough to be used well by all commuters. People living in rural and suburban areas see much less effective public transit than those in major urban spaces. In these areas, buses travel their routes less frequently and they stop at further distances from people’s homes. This makes public transit a time-consuming and inflexible way to travel. Municipalities may, however, be able to improve efficiency by using HD maps to optimize routes.
That said, those living in proximity to well-funded and effective public transit options (especially subway/metro transport) may find switching to transit an appealing option, considering the price of gas. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has already seen more people riding transit in response to soaring prices.
WE HAVE TO TALK ABOUT THE PANDEMIC (SORRY)
We must also keep in mind that public transit ridership has drastically reduced since the onset of the pandemic, and its popularity is still not up to pre-pandemic levels. In other words, we’ve seen many people become unwilling to take the risk of commuting in a public enclosed space. It’s likely that as COVID-19 restrictions relax, and as people’s comfort levels in public spaces increase, we will see an uptick in public transit use.
That said, we can see how difficult this is in the long term for immunocompromised individuals. Public transport is not a popular option with people who must jeopardize their health in order to use it.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION & WALKABILITY
And finally, we can’t forget about the active component of this form of transport. In most cases, individuals do not ride transit straight from their door to their destination – some walking is unavoidable. While active transportation is health-promoting, it can be a major obstacle for some.
Mobility concerns can be personal and/or environmental. People with mobility-related disabilities face an obvious barrier (especially when trying to navigate areas with poor sidewalk network infrastructure). But mobility challenges exist in other populations as well, because the ability to move safely through a space is an equity issue. Women, people of colour, and low-income families face disproportionate difficulties related to walkability. They may find themselves forced to risk their safety on the way to the bus stop, whether that be from exposure to potential crime, vehicle collisions, or tripping hazards.
Again, technology like HD maps can identify dangerous infrastructure to target (like poorly lit areas, inappropriate speed limits, and surface quality problems) to improve safety and accessibility.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Overall, while public transit is an excellent option for some, and while it does carry upsides (like saving money and causing fewer emissions), there are definitive drawbacks as well. Because it’s a much lower upfront cost than transport by car, public transportation has the capacity to empower marginalized groups. But that also means that barriers to public transit access disproportionately affect these communities.
We have all of the tools and technology we need to make public transit a more viable option for commuters wishing to shift away from cars. Governments, businesses, and cities need to work together to optimize and expand coverage and prioritize equitable access. We’d love to hear your ideas – contact us to start the conversation.
