Green Daily

Public transportation is a great way to get to work, tour a city, or run your errands. Best of all, it helps reduce our dependence on oil which is good for the environment (not to mention your wallet). Public transport consist of a variety of services, from trolleys, streetcars and buses to passenger railways, metro, subway, and elevated trains -- even ferries, water taxis, trams and cable cars. In 2006, Americans took 10.1 billion trips on public transport (the highest number in 49 years). Every year we save 1.4 billion gallons of gas by taking public transportation.

Buses and subway/metro/elevated trains are probably the most common types of public transportation (especially in big cities). But there's debate over whether buses or trains are better for the environment. Let's weigh the issues:

Buses:

• Bus service is cheaper than rail service. Buses require fewer facilities to operate. They run on already existing roadways.
• Buses usually offer more direct service and serve a larger area. This likely attracts more riders.
• Buses are more helpful to those with disabilities. Buses offer handicap access and generally pick up and drop off passengers closer to their starting/ending destinations.
• Many cities use natural gas or hybrid powered buses. This cuts down on emissions and costs (as compared to diesel buses)

Trains:

• Trains take riders off the roads which eases traffic congestion, trip length and noise (and air pollution when trains are electric). Trains also carry more passengers per ride so fewer rides must be given. For this reason, railways are more suited to urban areas.
• Trains (and their tracks) last longer and require less maintenance
• Most people consider trains and train stations more preferable to buses and bus stations. If you're going to pay to ride, you might as well enjoy the ride.
• Trains are a more positive use of land. Tracks take up less room than roads and are more commonly hidden underground which can raise property value.

Our Verdict:

If you live in a less populated area, buses are probably better for you. They cover more disperse locations (and it's unlikely that your area offers subway service). If you live in a highly populated area, the train is probably best -- you won't have to tackle city road congestion, and the train is more likely to serve commercial centers. If buses and train benefits seem equally weighted, you should use the service which utilizes the cleanest energy. Some trains are electric, some aren't. Some buses are hybrids, others use diesel fuel. It all depends on the area you live in. So check out your local transportation authority to find our which service -- buses or trains -- runs cleaner in your area. If you do, than you'll be doing your part to cut emissions and reduce dependence on oil even further.

Sources:

--Public Transportation
http://www.publictransportation.org

-- American Association of Public Transportation
http://www.apta.com/