Advocacy Project:: Letter and Fact Sheet

Letter to representative:

December 6, 2010

Representative Jim Oberstar
House of Representatives
2365 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515

Vote Yes on H.R 3271 Green Routes to Work Act

The proposed act would give tax credits to businesses that provide employees with transit passes or provide commuter vans for employees in order to promote carpooling. With providing both employees and employers with incentives to take mass transit in order to reduce the amount of motor vehicles on the road. This will reduce the amount of both air and noise pollution. As a current health education student from Duluth, Minnesota, I believe the reduction in pollution is extremely important to the health Americans.

The passage of this bill will provide employees with transit passes who otherwise may not consider public transportation. According to the American Public Transportation Association, 18% of an American's income goes towards transportation; transportation is the second largest expenditure of Americans. People who may not see the benefits of public transportation because it costs money will be enticed by free transportation. There are many benefits for people to use public transportation. Primarily it will improve public health. Taking public transportation makes people more active; commuters may have to walk some distance in order to reach a bus stop of their final destination. Those would otherwise be sedentary most of the day are now having exercise in their daily schedule. Public transportation will also decrease air pollution. According the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation prevents the release of 126 million pounds of hydrocarbons per year. The release of hydrocarbons lead to smog and respiratory illness. Finally, with less drivers on the road, the less danger there is. If someone is unfit to drive, whether is be intoxication or distraction, public transportation provides him with a mode of transportation. According to the American Public Transportation Association, distracted drivers cause 284,000 serious motor vehicle accidents each year. Providing tax credits to companies in order for them to provide their employees with transit passes, would provide employees with a safe ride home. With more citizens receiving free transit passes, there will be less traffic which will lead to less pollution and safer roads.

Opponents of this bill may claim it is a waste of money because even though companies may provide transit passes to employees, many employees will continue to drive their personal motor vehicles. When transit passes are offered for free, more are apt to try it. Once employees realize how convenient mass transit is then they are more likely to continue with habit. Also, taking mass transit saves money. Once, employees realize the economical benefits then they will be more inclines to taking mass transit; especially since they are being provided the pass at no cost. Another argument against this bill would be the negative effect it would have on the already struggling car industry. Contrary to theses beliefs, the car industry will not suffer. People will still need cars to drive to places where transit does not run or drive to places after transportation hours. Also, if citizens are saving money of transportation, they will have more expendable cash, therefore stimulating the economy.

Thank you for your time. We appreciate all you have done during your terms of service. As the head of the U.S Department of Transportation, we hope you realize the positive impact the passage of this bill would have on the health and safety of the U.S citizens. We encourage you to vote yes on H.R 3271 Green Routes to Work Act.

Sarah Zapp


Facts Sheet

The Benefits of Public Transportation

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), public transportation provides citizens and communities with ample opportunities.

Mass transits benefits the local community and economy

• A $10 million investment in public transportation has shown to increase buisness in local stores by $30 million.
• According to the Transit Coalition Report: "Dollars & Sense: The Economic Case for Public Transportation in America" states that every dollar consumer puts into public transportation provides a $6 return in the local economy.

Public transportation saves employees money.

• It reduces the amount of money spent of transportation and allows this money to spent on other activities such as recreational or school activities.
• The cost of driving, parking and insuring a car can be steep for some families and deprive some families from other opportunities.
• Regular use of public transportation can save the average consumer $800,000 per every $10 million spent per year.

Public transportation improves the health of individuals by keeping them active and engaged within the community.

• Public transportation helps keep senior citizens who want to remain active and apart of the community a mode of transportation.
• 93% of welfare recipients rely on public transportation to get to work and to other destinations.

Public transportation decreases traffic congestion.

• According to the Texas Transportation Association, Americans spent more than 40 hours stuck in traffic.

• According to APTA, 50% of Americans feel traffic congestion is a serious problem.

Public transportation reduces energy consumption and increase air quality.

• According to APTA, a person who takes the bus everyday to work in place of driving saves 1,888 gallons of gasoline each year.
• According to APTA, public transportation reduces fuel consumption by 1.5 million gallons each years.
• According to APTA, buses produce 80% less carbon dioxide emissions than any personal motor vehicle.