There has been a national push, in recent years towards improving public transport. Like the NUMTOT . movement development, that “improvement” usually means a specific action: Make public transit more accessible via make it free. Now, in Washington, DC, that very plan is under consideration — but it is against plans to improve bus service.
In case you lost it:
The debate focused on the DC . proposal K line transition, an attempt to modernize one of the city’s major thoroughfares. The proposal includes dedicated bus and bicycle lanes, new bus stops and other improvements to make streets more efficient and safer. But a group in the local government wanted to put the money allocated for K Street Transitway into the free bus, and both sides seem to create strong points in their favor.
Free buses will improve public transit access in the nation’s capital, where 16.5 percent population living below the poverty line. That means portability and improve access to health care and employment opportunities for those who can’t get it anywhere else.
But Transitway’s effort also has benefits. It encourages walking and cycling, modes of transport that will have a big impact on even congestion And environment if more widely applied. It’s a rare sight in the local government — an argument where both sides really seem to be making good, outstanding points.
However, both sides acknowledge trade-offs. DC has a choice between free shipping and a more efficient, modern road design that promotes alternative modes of transportation. Without more money invested in the city’s transport infrastructure, it will always be one or the other.
