Health
More transit users means fewer vehicles on the road. This in
turn equates to a decreased number of accidents, and of course, better air
quality. Fewer vehicles on the
road also alleviates congestion, which we all know isn’t kind to stress levels. Still not convinced that transit is good for your health?
A UBC study, published in The Journal of Public Health
Policy, found that “people who take public transit are three times more likely
than those who don't to meet the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada's
suggested daily minimum of physical activity.”
Jobs
The transit industry in Canada employs approximately 45,200
people directly, and provides 24,300 jobs indirectly, and this is only the
beginning of the impact of transit on employment. While the transit industry
creates jobs, it also creates a means for employees from differing industries to
access their jobs.
Across Canada, hospitals save approximately $115m annually
because of transit. How is that possible? Transit decreases the necessity for
vehicles, and fewer vehicles on the road means better air quality as well as
fewer vehicle related accidents.
That covers public savings, what about personal savings?
According to the Canadian Urban Transit Association, Canadian households save
approximately $5bn in vehicle operating costs every year (not to mention the increased residential and commercial property values of properties near transit stations).
Now what?
The answer is simple: Be healthy, wealthy, and wise; invest
in a place that has ample access to transit. Invest in New West.
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