Introduction
- What is the issue/problem?
One solution to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is to have people drive less; this will also lower our dependency on oil. Mass transportation is a good alternative to driving individually and this bill offers free transit passes to employees in hopes to promote using cleaner ways of transportation to work.
- What current legislation has been proposed to address this? (Identify bill # and name)
Who is affected by the issue?
Mass Transit, employers, employees, gas & oil production, car companies
- Who is affected the most?
- Who loses, and what do they lose?
Oil and gas production would be affected because if people started taking mass transit there will less demand for gas.
- Who gains, and what do they gain?
What are the consequences of the issue?
- For the individuals mostly affected?
- For their families?
- For society?
What is the economic impact of the issue?
- What are the economic costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?
- What are the economic benefits of the issue, and who benefits?
What is the social impact of the issue?
- What are the social costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?
Comfort. Taking mass transit may not be as comfortable or private as taking their own car. Mass transit could be seen as dirty.
- What are the social benefits of the issue, and who benefits?
Employees may find new opportunities to meet new people while taking mass transit. Could be for networking if other professionals start taking the bus.
What are the barriers?
- What are the barriers to addressing this issue?
In order for the transit passes for employees a tax credit needs to provided for employers; therefore money is barrier.
Finally, the amount of public transportation is a barrier. If a growing number a riders there may not be enough resources for all to be accommodated for. Also, some workplaces may not be easily accessible to transportation. It would make it difficult for employees to take mass transit to work. Mass transit may not offer routes outside if regular business hours; making it impossible for some to take the bus or subway to work.
- How can they be overcome?
Transit availability can be overcome by adjusting routes and times depending on demand of new riders. With the increased ridership mass transit will have more money making it easier them to add more routes, more buses or subways, and more times in order to accommodate most. This will make commuting easier for employees and making it more attractive to employees if they do not have to wait as long for a bus.
A way to win over employees wary of public transportation is to educate them about the environmental and economical benefits. If they do not care about the environment they will certainly care about their pocket books. Point out gas savings, car saving, and time savings (they would not be stuck in rush hour traffic.)
What are the resources?
- What resources will we need to address this issue?
Influence will be needed in order for this bill to be passed. Supporters of mass transportation would be needed to explain the importance of this bill.
Awareness of the environmental and health impacts of driving are needed. People must be aware of the issue in order to change their behavior.
- Where and how can they be tapped?
Influence will come from testimony of experts on the effects of driving on the environment. Law makers will need to be aware of the importance of lowering the amounts of pollution in our environment.
What is the history of this issue?
- What is the history of the issue in the community?
USCPA, U.S Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement has been created and signed by many mayors who pledge to reduce the amount of pollution that contributes to global warming withing their city. They are doing this by promoting mass transit and urging citixens to give up their SUVS.
- What past efforts were made to address it?
- What were the results?
Allies & Opponents
- Who would support this issue?
- Who would oppose this issue?
- How can you involve allies and opponents in advocacy efforts? (What common ground can you share? How can you create a win-win for your allies and your opponents?)
If some employees do not want to take public transportation, suggest car pooling with co-workers who live near by. This still allows for less cars to be on the road and allows for the employee to feel like they are in control because they are driving their own car.
My Recommendation
Policy-makers should vote YES on the Green Routes to Work Act. It will help the United States take step towards a healthier environment which would lead to better health of Americans. In the process it may help boost certain areas of the economy, reduce noise and air pollution, and reduce rush hour traffice