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12/25/2018

The Best Solutions To Improve Our Public Transit

Bobbi Taggart / Public Transportation / Cycle /

When we are talking with passengers on the bus lines around the world, we are always impressed with the number or different answers we get on how to improve public transportation. It has always amazed me how countries such as Japan or South Korean managed to solve this problem. Their culture doesn’t tolerate being late; it’s considered to be a sign of disrespect.

On the other hand, the American nation is facing massive public transportation issues, roads are jammed continuously, people are always late, and somehow the state officials don’t see a possible solution.

Bus frequency

When looking for ways to boost public transportation, first and furthermore, passengers want frequent rides. You would be surprised that speed isn’t an issue for the majority of riders. For example, if you are waiting for downtown in the rain, or on some suburban backstreet, people want to know that ride will arrive soon, preferably in less than 15 minutes.

The wait is one of the most significant problems, and it’s a part of the transportation cycle. Even if the bus is fast, when you arrive at the curb and start waiting for the transportation to pick you up, that’s when the problems begin.

Incorporate an efficient bus tracking system

One of the ways to improve transportation efficiency is to boost the transit ticketing system. The ticketing systems need to be fast and to react quickly so they can load and unload passenger promptly. Tap and go should be rule for bus fares, not tap, wait, and go.

This distinct difference might be a couple of seconds in duration, but, it’s quite noticeable when a large number of people tries to get on board. The inefficient ticketing system will slow down the traffic even more.

Passenger comfort

People want comfortable buses that can accommodate as many passengers as possible. Face-to-face seating isn’t that comfortable, especially when you are knee-to-knee in a confined space. It creates awkward moments between strangers.

On the other hand, providing smooth, quiet, and spacious buses can play a significant role in reducing the stress and anxiety of public transportation experience.

12/25/2018

How To Improve Public Transportation Policy In The U.S.?

Bobbi Taggart / Public Transportation / Improve /

American needs to start focusing on public transportation, which is one of the pressing issues. Annually, the public sector spends around $170 billion on transportation, and we will need to spend even more to revamp our battered infrastructure.

However, another crucial problem we are experiencing at the moment is that our nation lacks a clear-cut vision. In this case, there is no way to target spending and make sure that all those billions reach an economic and environmental goal. So, here are a couple of suggestions our state officials should consider.

Improving export

Our country should be more export-oriented, for the future of our economy. But now, there is no way to ensure that ports and border crossings will accomplish such a goal. No one is paying enough attention that traffic moves smoothly through these areas. If we are talking about Mexico and Canada, these crossings are always clogged, which interrupts trade and creates additional issues.

When we consider challenges that Detroit is facing, which is the number one binational trading center on the planet, we then realize how our economy is in jeopardy. This trading corridor is connecting the U.S. and Canadian auto industries, and other sectors.

Considering that Canada is our most significant trading partner, we should work hard to fix the problem happening on Ambassador Bridge.

Getting Greener

The U.S economy should think of the ways to reduce carbon dioxide and improve the quality of the air. We should explore green energy and unleash entrepreneurial activity around green technology. Yet, the US officials have been slow to address this problem.

One of the problems we are facing now is the lack of regulations. There is no gaining authority which will make sure that all players talk to each other and don’t work at cross purposes. Let’s take for example electric cars. The Obama administration’s goal was to put one million electric vehicles on the roads by 2015. He managed to accomplish that, but they oversaw charging places.

Adding innovations

The 21st century brought us great technology which we can use to make transportation smoother and more efficient. For instance, traffic signals that are controlled by computers can optimize the flow of traffic.

Electronic toll-collection tags allow drivers to pay without stopping and so on.

Yet, the use of these technologies on our roadways is lacking. One of the reasons why there is no incentive for cities to utilize these innovations is because transportation dollars aren’t distributed based on performance.

12/25/2018

Three Ways To Improve Public Transportation In The Us

Bobbi Taggart / Public Transportation / Focus more on alternative modes of movement, Provide rewards for innovations, TIGER /

Since the emergence of cars and other transportation means, America has increasingly relied on the construction of highways as its primary mode of transportation. Soon the country had to face the repercussions of a highway system because it doesn’t meet the demands of all its citizens.

Additionally, the lack of engagement of state officials to oversee how public transportation funding is spent creates further issues and denies the implementation of a unified vision for transportation. However, there are still steps that should be considered, which will improve public transportation and infrastructure program.

Repairs and maintenance should go before construction projects

Based on current laws, DOTs aren’t obligated to spend any federal funding they get for transportation projects on maintenance and repair. Given the case, the government should create separate funding for maintenance and repairs, or create a competitive program that will offer them thoughtful approaches to tackle the challenges they face every day.

Also, to encourage other modes of transportation the USDOT’s program, the TIGER should be focused on maintenance and find alternative ways to meet transportation needs. Funding new projects should be based on whether or not the communities are maintaining their existing transportation infrastructure.

Focus more on alternative modes of movement

Even though all DOT’s funds are used to build and expand highways, the revenue that is gathered for non-highways is usually challenging to raise. In this case, the numerous forms of alternative forms of movement are neglected, which creates additional issues.

The construction of highways is connected to the coordination of land use. That’s why it’s crucial that local municipalities, state DOTs MPOs, and transit agencies combine their efforts and to diversify modes of travel. This will reduce the traffic jams and enable everyone to arrive at their destination on time.

Provide rewards for innovations

Considering the Federal Highway Administration MAP-21 regulation, 12 performance areas should be measured to criterion how state, MPOs, and transit agencies use their funds. When they fail to meet the target, then they should lose a portion of their funds and report faults to the public.

Additionally, to follow the effects of MAP-21, especially on transportation, federal transportation funding should monitor and examine its influence on job creation and growth. Once public transportation guidelines are prioritized, the administration should publicly praise and reward those who met their expectations and target and provide additional financial recourses.