Transportation


Many of us may not realize that transportation impacts our health. More specifically, Metro regions with more access to public transportation have lower levels of air pollution including decreased carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and volatile organic compound emissions. Additionally, when people use public transportation, they are more likely to be more physically active because they walk or ride a bike to and from public transportation. People who use public transportation are less likely to be obese than individuals who drive private cars. Also, public transportation has less fatalities and injuries compared to private cars.

Accessible public transportation also lowers social inequalities. Public transportation increases job opportunities and the spread of goods and services. Moreover, low income communities are often located close to highways and are exposed to more pollution than higher income communities that do not live close to transportation lines. The more public transportation, the less air pollution in a given region.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) works to improve public health by working with cities to improve public transportation. The APHA is also collaborating with Transportation of America to help metro areas plan and create more biking and walking paths.

References

https://www.apha.org/~/media/files/pdf/topics/transport/apha_public_transportation_fact_sheet_march2012.ashx

https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/transportation

Comments

  1. MonicaMarquezUSFSeptember 18, 2018 at 5:24 PM

    I really like how you expanded on the idea that public transportation lowers social inequalities. I think this is a great point when addressing the benefits of public transportation as it puts all individuals on the equal platform in terms of having access to the same means of transportation. I can definitely see how your point about having more access to public transportation also contributes to lessening the exposure to toxic chemicals in communities that are the most vulnerable, which can be extremely impactful.

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