Finding Alternative Transportation

Only recently has this nation become concerned with CO2 emissions, and ecofriendly transportation options. Although it may be called a new awakening, or a transportation renaissance, truth be told, gasoline is the most expensive it has ever been, and isn’t getting any cheaper. In a revolt against high gas prices, consumers are protesting with their dollars, and demanding another option.

There are many solutions to this crisis, and most can be utilized today, at little to no extra cost. Public transit is a great ecofriendly way to travel, and often times do not add time to a commute, and takes less from the wallet. SEPTA, in response to the recent spike in demand for service has implemented its highest service increase in its history. As part of the service increase, 100 Diesel/Electric Hybrid buses will be brought into use. These new buses will carry more passengers, and emit less CO2.

Since this spring, when the weather warmed up, biking has seen a surge of interest. For most people, taking a bike, rather than a car is a practical option. Most car trips occur within five miles of the home, perfect distance to ride a bike. Using a bike to run small errands, or commute to work will reduce your effect on the environment, and definitely reduce your waistline.

For many, riding a bike to work may not make sense, but carpooling certainly does. Carpooling, even one day each week, will lower commute costs as much as 20%. Carpooling gets you to work less stressed out, and can help build a social connection with co-workers. Many companies have carpooling programs to assist co-workers in finding who is interested.

These immediate steps will only help to reduce the need for fossil fuels; ultimately the goal is to eliminate the need for fossil fuels. This will be achieved through technological innovations that allow a vehicle to be powered with electricity, or hydrogen, and release no CO2 emissions. Although this technology is being utilized on a small scale, it could be years before widespread usage is seen. In the mean time, our role as citizens is to use our fossil fuels more efficiently.