The What
The Union of Concerned Scientists released its report, “Freedom to Move: Investing in Transportation Choices for a Clean, Prosperous, and Just Future.”
The Takeaway
The report highlights three important findings. In the next four “Quick Takes,” we will explore each key finding. The overarching message of the report echoes our own: “More transportation options such as transit, walking, and biking are good for the environment, the economy, and social equity.”
The first finding focuses on the cost savings an improved transportation system and reduced driving would have for society.
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- $201 billion in energy infrastructure
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- $128 billion in public health costs and
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- 5.9 trillion in vehicle ownership costs through 2050
Why You Should Care
This report, from a trusted source, lays out the rationale and the numbers about how doing the right thing – shifting from vehicles to transit biking and walking saves families and society billions of dollars.
The Proof
UCS makes a coherent argument backed up by data represented in the following graphs.
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- That increased travel negates any improvement in reduced vehicle emissions.
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- That to achieve our carbon reduction goals we need to reduce driving – or “vmt- vehicle miles traveled” And they highlight 2 VMT reduction scenario’s in the chart below.
- When we reduce the miles we drive, we use less fuel, and therefore we can reduce the
“Energy infrastructure” and save billions.
- If we drive less, and move to transit, walking, and biking families won’t need to own as many vehicles.
Sources:
https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/freedom-move