A United Parcel Service (UPS) official was the featured speaker at a large community gathering recently. In his speech, he described how the UPS delivery fleet is computer programmed in a manner so that delivery trucks make only right-hand turns on their route as often as possible.
A recent ad for Chevron in the The Wall Street Journal featured a two-page spread showing in large script the words: "I will leave my car at home more" — words similar to those used in ads put forth by many transit agencies. I thought for sure they were promoting public transportation until I read the rest of the ad.
We talk about how escalating gas prices are favorably affecting ridership. Little is said about the other favorable fallout: how the flurry of ridership increases has pushed transit services beyond capacity, forcing agencies to bolster their fleets.
Paul Weyrich is a widely respected conservative supporter of public transportation, to the extent that companies and suppliers to the transit industry have contributed heavily to his research efforts. Recently, Weyrich commented on what appears to be the Federal Transit Administration favoring bus rapid transit (BRT) over light rail transit.
The price of gas is front page news these days. Over-the-road truckers are at a point where fueling their vehicles eats up their profits and literally their livelihood. Airlines are looking for ways to stay aloft via surcharges...
Between now and November, we will be drowning in the presidential campaign, and everything but the topic of public transportation will be discussed. Have you heard any talk by any of the candidates about public transportation or about funding it?