Even as federal efforts to reform our transportation system remain stalled, cities are taking steps to become healthier, more livable, and more sustainable communities through transit reform. The latest victory comes from St. Louis, Missouri, where citizens voted – by an impressive 24% margin – in favor of a ballot Proposition designed to improve public transit infrastructure.
Proposition A will raise sales tax by a half-cent to fund projects that maintain and eventually expand the city’s bus and light rail system. As a college student in St. Louis, I saw the positive impact of expanding light rail and bus service for our community and for our city, and am encouraged by the vote for funding to keep recent improvements in place.
Any vote for public transit is worth noting in a country that consumes
25% of the world’s oil, using millions of barrels each day.
Reducing our energy use by supporting public transit expansion is not
only good for our air quality but for our security as well. Adequate
transit funding ensures that millions of people can get to work and
school each day while drastically reducing our environmental impact and
dependence on foreign oil.
Alongside the recent announcement of improved federal efficiency
standards for automobiles, moves like the pro-transit vote in St. Louis
show the path to a smarter energy future. And while we may not get
federal transportation reauthorization for some time, making our cities
healthier and more livable by improving transit on the local level sure
is a good start!