Congressman Hall Says Busing is Back
By Michael Boyajian
The New York Times reports that rail travel is flat but bus ridership is on the rise. This information would seem to take the wind out of the sails of plans to build a network of super trains around the country though we suspect rail ridership is related to an aging national system and declining service rather than the need for super trains.
An inexpensive alternative to other forms of travel is commuter bus travel. Congressman John Hall, a proponent of sound environmental practices, has an idea to expand bus routes in the New York metro area. Opening a new bus route is easy and relatively inexpensive when compared to the investment needed to build and operate a new commuter rail line.
We are not talking about long distance rail and bus lines in this instance but again commuter lines that will take thousands of cars off the road each morning and afternoon easing the strain on the environment and congestion in general.
Super trains are preferable to air travel as buses are to automobile travel for much the same reason, fuel efficiency and less congestion. With hopes for a climate bill fading new bus networks in our metropolitan areas might be the best quick fix remedy to climate change at this time.
Congressman Hall, when speaking to students, likes to advise them to try and live green sustainable lives. He also boasts of having played every SUNY school at one time with his rock band Orleans. Imagine traveling to all these schools via a network of efficient buses. Instead of having a 150 pound student in a 3,000 pound car traveling from say Albany to Buffalo to visit fellow SUNY students you would have 60 students in a bus taking upwards of 60 cars off the road and that is why Congressman Hall’s plan makes sense. And oh yes, Congressman Hall says Orleans will play President Obama’s expected inaugural if invited to do so.
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