I have a car and I definitely drive places when they are walkable distances or can be accessed by bus. I recognize that having a car allows me to (at times) be lazy and not get physical activity that I would otherwise get if I did not have a car. Having a car is also so convenient and I appreciate this privilege. I try to carpool when I know friends and I are going to the same places just to reduce the amount of cars in use at one time. I know this may barely have an impact on the environment but I still think about it.
I take the bus on occasion because I actually really enjoy it- I like to people watch out the window. But again, I have never had to truly rely on the bus or public transportation so I see how my perspective on the bus is more positive since I ride it on my own time/with leisure.
After reading the articles I am still left wondering a lot about BART services. How beneficial is it on air quality (both within BART trains and at BART stations). Another thing missing from the articles we read about public transportation is its affordability. BART ticket prices, in my opinion, are not reasonable and can contribute to people feeling discouraged in using it.
Also I am wondering about how the Uber and Lyft companies are impacting the environment (are more cars being driven because of it?) as well as individual health. These services may discourage use of public transportation or walking to places (yet they also may target an audience who has the privilege of being able to choose between transportation services- i.e. people who have more money, people who have smart phones, etc).
Hey Angela,
ReplyDeleteBart prices keep rising, and have become unreasonable, I remember when they were so much cheaper and made riding it an experience. I'm like you in that I appreciate having the convenience of a car to get around and get to places when I need to. That is a great question, I would have never thought of the environmental impact that Uber and Lyft have and hope that there is a study that researches it!
hi Angela!
ReplyDelete2 things. one, great question about lift and uber! I also, like Matt, did not even think about them and how they could be damaging the environment instead of making it better. two, Muni and Bart prices have gone up so much. I know my muni pass went up the first of September and I was like dude, am I paying for the extension into chinatown? it is getting so ridiculous and if driving and parking here didn't give me so much anxiety, I would probably drive because of the bus prices. for real. its frustrating because the people who are trying to do good (save money, protect the earth from pollution) are being screwed every time prices go up!
great post!