How Public Transit Reduces Health Issues

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How Public Transit Reduces Health Issues

 

Public transit has many benefits for the community, including reducing personal costs, increasing the economy, and strengthening local communities. It allows more people to effortlessly travel throughout their cities for work or leisure, improving the quality of life and providing mobility for those unwilling or unable to commute another way. In addition to these incredible assets, public transit has another benefit many people may not consider; it can help reduce health issues for those using it and living in the surrounding areas. How can public transit aid in lowering the occurrence of health issues for those in the community? Let’s take a look.

 

Reduce Pollutants

It’s no secret that the automobile industry is one of the most significant contributors to air pollutants and emissions in the world, accounting for a shocking amount of these harmful chemicals being released every year. One passenger vehicle can emit up to 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide yearly, with every gallon of gas burned creating around 8,887 grams of CO2. Those numbers are for a single vehicle; a typical urban area has thousands of automobiles driving every day, creating incredibly high emissions in a relatively small area. Imagine the health impacts those pollutants cause, especially for those with lung and breathing disorders.

 

Public transit can significantly reduce the number of personal automobiles on the road, decreasing pollutants and allowing for cleaner air. Higher air quality can reduce the severity of illnesses like asthma, emphysema, some cancers, and more, making public transit an incredibly beneficial mode of transportation.

 

Increase Exercise

Those using public transit, on average, take more steps daily than those using a personal vehicle. These extra steps can help them stay healthier, control their weight, and build muscle mass. When people move more, their bodies have a better chance of functioning the way they are designed, leading to lower rates of obesity which is responsible for deadly heart conditions and stroke.

 

Better Mental Health

Using public transit can help promote better mental health by giving riders the chance to relax and unwind without worrying about a stressful commute. Research shows that the long-term effects of a stressful commute include anxiety, depression, and dread, which are detrimental to your physical and mental well-being. By choosing public transit, passengers can avoid the ongoing health problems associated with these high-stress situations.

 

The Montgomery Transit is dedicated to providing residents of Montgomery, Alabama, an affordable and convenient means of transportation. We’ve made it easier than ever to ride with us thanks to our newest features, including Find Your Route, Where’s My Bus, and the TransLoc Rider app that allows you to see real-time updates on your bus’s location.

 

At The M, we’re committed to the health and safety of our passengers and have made increased efforts to protect against Covid-19 so that everyone can have an enjoyable and safe ride. With over 2,000 trips daily on both fixed routes and paratransit services, there’s something for everyone at The M!

 

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