Cities such as San Francisco, Chicago and New York have
extensive public-transportation
systems. They carry millions of people by train, bus, boat and light rail. The recent expansion of private vehicle options like Uber, Lyft, and Google Bus give ...
Cities such as San Francisco, Chicago and New York have
extensive public-transportation
systems. They carry millions of people by train, bus, boat and light rail. The recent expansion of private vehicle options like Uber, Lyft, and Google Bus give commuters more choices, but they can also undermine public transportation.
It raises the question: will people continue to use public transportation in the future?
There are already alternative options that thousands of commuters are using every day. For example, Chariot, a privately-run vanpool option in San Francisco, can cut a 40-50 minute commute by train and bus to just 20 minutes, for roughly the same cost.
All of which raises a very important point: if we want public transportation to continue to be available, we need to improve it.
Of course, some may not see the need for public transportation, but that’s a question we’ll leave to the policy makers. For now, we’ll break down the how, what, and why of public transportation, including costs, detriments, positives, and potential improvements.
Costs of Transportation
In reality, why would anyone use public services if private services can do the same thing more efficiently? Private bus or car services are more pleasant and just as cost effective. Privatization could potentially save billions. Privatizing public bussing has the potential to save government entities $5.7 billion a year, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.
Some researchers will argue that public transit is a monopoly. The government doles out tax dollars and subsidies to transit companies which allow them to operate in environments where some other ventures wouldn’t be able to. The downfall is that the government regulates all non-governmental transportation services, which can drive private business operators out of the market.
But, even with all the government help, most metro areas have budgets insufficient for maintaining their public transit systems. New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) carries more than 6 million passengers every day and has a $15 billion budget; yet, it is constantly in danger of shutting down. Private companies like Chariot and Uber Pool run without subsidies, yet still continue to have infusions of cash from venture capitalists.
Many would argue that the private sector is the better option. The private sector can innovate, use new technology, and consider customer input in ways government can’t. Government can only worry about the customers it is currently serving.
When thinking about public transportation, consider the costs associated with:
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Being a slave to transit schedules
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Space and privacy limitations on crowded trains or buses
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Unforeseen delays from adverse weather conditions or mechanical failures
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Close proximity to strangers
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Paying for every trip, both one-way and round-trip
However, though there are certainly many negatives to public transportation, we can’t ignore the positives.
Public Transportation Benefits
Cities with public transportation have the opportunity to offer transit service to the underserved. The local government can also choose to provide vouchers for people considering private options.
Chariot of San Francisco has recently met with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and offered to work with them in filling the gaps in underserved areas. Since one-fifth of Chariot trips are to or from public transit stops, the agency can collaborate with private services to improve the public transportation system.
Transportation projects can also positively impact a community’s economic development objectives, like increased productivity, new employment, new business activity, increased property values, new investment and increased tax revenues.
Transportation projects that improve overall accessibility to businesses, retail, education, and employment, and reduce transportation costs, can increase economic development and productivity.
When you live in a region with reliable public transit, the American Public Transport Association reports that
you can save
over $10,000 per year on transportation costs. The estimate of savings includes the costs associated with car payments, maintenance, repairs, fuel costs, and parking fees.
Many people choose alternate transit options for other reasons, such as
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Reducing one’s carbon footprint
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Increased well-being and decreased stress from driving
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Time gained to work, read or relax
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Decreased wear and tear on personal vehicles
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Health benefits from walking to and from public transit stops or stations
Given the benefits of public transportation, are there ways that the technology of the private sector can improve the efficiency of the public sector? Read more about
future transportation
.
