M3.5 Transportation
I agree that the United States as a nation needs to work towards providing more equitable and safe access to general needs, such as work, education, fresh food sources and healthcare services. Many disparities currently exist such as food desserts or HPSA's (Health Professional Shortage Areas), which again disproportionately affect our nation's vulnerable populations. Not only does public transportation continue to give more equal access, but it also helps lower environmental hazards by reducing carbon monoxide and volatile organic compound loads. Moreover, the rate of obesity drops for men who commute through public transportation as opposed to personal forms of transportation. Although we are a well developed country, we are decades behind countries such as Japan who have spearheaded environmentally sustainable transportation such as the recent light trail transit.
I was recently in Japan and the light rail/bullet train system was one of the most memorable parts of the visit. I was so impressed by the efficiency of the rail system. Tourists and regular commuters are able to travel long distances at a fast pace. With the expansion of the system, the train even connects rural towns in the far north to massive Tokyo within hours. The trains are on time and clean and long making it a highly efficient way to travel. Can you imagine what a bullet train would do for California commuters and the amount of pollution produced?
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