I saw the image below on Treehugger today and thought they made an excellent point for the power of an image.  We can talk and talk about the differences between transportation types, but these pictures clearly illustrate the advantages.

In the comments, a few readers have made a good case for a fourth image to represent walking, which I agree, is a very valid position.  Wouldn’t that be nice, a clear street with just people?

Obviously, I would argue the first picture would look much different with Passenger Energy.  If each car carried 3 passengers with a driver instead of the typical single occupancy vehicle, then we could remove 75% of the cars.

The story goes on to mention an article that the author, Michael Graham Richard, wrote 4 years ago.  The story titled: Have You Reduced Your Dependence on Cars? is a very good read, again with some great comments.

We all need to make a concerted effort to move away from cars as our primary source of transportation.  Car pooling, mass transit, biking and yes, even walking are wonderful alternatives.  You don’t have to sell your car, just use it less.

photo credit: Press-Office City of Müenster, Germany

This week the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) announced a proposal for double-digit fare hikes and cuts in service.  Just what we need in these tough economic times, they are going to charge you more for less.

The hikes are needed to cover a $1.4 billion deficit in the budget passed by the MTA board in December.  The fares for Metro North would increase more than 25 percent while subway and bus fares could rise from $2 to $3.  Other fares and tolls could also increase including weekly and monthly MetroCards.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver of Manhattan says the increases are unacceptable and he will work to avoid these changes.  I am not sure how he will do this unless state or federal funds can be found to cover the costs.

Now what is the average commuter supposed to do?  They still have to get to work and what other options do they have?  This is where I think Pay4Rides offers a very viable alternative to our current mass transit system.  I think we all deserve a choice.

What do you think of the proposed increases?

photo credit: Pro-Zak