Bowdeya Tweh, Times of Northwest Indiana
bowdeya.tweh@nwi.com
Increases in the use of public transportation helped Indiana save nearly 11.7 million gallons of gasoline last year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the country's dependence on oil, according to a coalition of state-based environmental advocacy organizations.
Environment America said in a report that transit ridership increased more than 9 percent last year compared to 2007, and Indiana drivers traveled 2.4 million fewer miles, down 4 percent, in 2008 compared to a year earlier. The organization said the amount of gas saved in Indiana could run 20,200 cars. Volatile fuel prices and decreased economic activity helped drive the increase in public transit use, the group said. While Indiana public transit ridership increased 9 percent, ridership in Illinois rose 6 percent.
"People are voting with their feet by driving less and taking more public transportation," said Megan Severson, spokeswoman for Environment America, in a news release. "Congress should listen to these voters and invest more in public transportation -- which will increase our energy independence and reduce global-warming pollution."
Indiana Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson, said in the news release she supports increasing public transportation options and that it is important to make sure industries relying on public roads have "safe, well-maintained thoroughfares." Austin is also chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee.
The report noted, however, that just as transit systems are experiencing a growing demand for their services, budget cuts have made it increasingly difficult for many transit systems to continue providing current services much less expanding to meet growing demand.
Environment America, which has its main office in Boston and federal advocacy office in Washington, estimated greenhouse gas emissions in the state dropped 105,000 tons in 2008.
The organization is calling for increased investments in cleaner public transportation options, leveling the playing field for funding and approving transit projects, and increased funding for transit maintenance and day-to-day operations.
Environment America is also lobbying for the U.S. Senate to pass the Clean, Low Emissions, Affordable New Transportation Equity Act, called Clean TEA, which proponents say will direct 10 percent of climate-bill allowances to transportation efforts that will save oil and reduce emissions.