Why not celebrate National Car-Free Day every day?

To the editor:

Why not show your support by participating in 12th annual Car-Free Day Sept. 22 and every day, when possible?

Millions of Americans today are utilizing and returning to various public transportation alternatives. They include local and express bus, paratransit van, ferry, jitney, light rail, subway and commuter rail services. All of these systems use less fuel and move far more people than conventional single-occupancy vehicles.  Most of these systems are funded with your tax dollars. 

Depending upon where you live, consider the public transportation alternative. Try riding a local or express bus, paratransit or commuter van, ferry, light rail, commuter rail or subway.

Leave your car at home, when possible. For local trips in the neighborhood, walk or ride a bike. Our New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority has various operating agencies, including the subway, bus, Metro-North Railroad and Westchester Bee-Line Bus. They use less fuel and move more people than cars.

In many cases, your employer can offer transit checks to help subsidize a portion of the costs. Utilize your investments and reap the benefits. You’ll be supporting a cleaner environment and be less stressed upon arrival at your final destination.

The ability to travel from home to workplace, school, shopping, entertainment, medical, library and so forth is a factor when moving to a new neighborhood. Economically successful communities are not 100 percent dependent on automobiles as the sole means of mobility. Seniors, students, low- and middle-income people need these transportation alternatives.

Investment in public transportation today contributes to economic growth, employment and a stronger economy.  Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best investments we can make.

 Larry Penner