Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Buffalo car-culture is cruel

NYSTEA | New York State Transportation Equity Alliance |: "Buffalo also struggles with high poverty rates. According to US Census data over 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line. With over 30% of Buffalo’s population not having access to a car and 77% of the transit users in the city “transit dependent”, mass transit cuts and fare increases have a disproportionate effect on communities of color and low-income."

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

NYPTA 2011 Position Paper

NYPTA 2011 Position Paper: "Public transportation is a vital means of maximizing community mobility, which has economic and social impacts far in excess of the public investment necessary to make public transit available and affordable. Each day, millions of New Yorkers and visitors ride public transit to work, school, health care, shopping, recreation, tourist attractions and countless other destinations. Whether riding by choice or necessity, these transit customers make a huge impact on New York's communities in the form of:
Economic activity and jobs
Energy savings
Cleaner air
Reduced traffic congestion
Improved public health
Sustainable transportation
As we continue to endure this extended period of economic malaise, New York State is failing to meet public transportation's needs for capital and operating funding. This shortsighted public policy is harming customers and communities and is only prolonging the economic downturn by reducing overall mobility and making it harder for people to remain active in the economy."