We love our cars. In fact, a recent study found that America has more registered personal vehicles than licensed drivers! But the economic and environmental benefits of using public transportation are indisputable: significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, reduced traffic congestion, road and parking cost savings, improved mobility for non-drivers, greater sense of community, improved public fitness and personal health.

So what can municipalities do to encourage greater use of public transportation? Fare reductions (or free rides) during off-peak hours will attract new riders. Improved station and waiting facilities, clean equipment, courteous service, convenient scheduling and easy access to retail shopping areas have all been shown to increase ridership.

Partner with your public transportation provider to publicize town events, and provide incentives (reduced price tickets or free admission) to residents who leave their cars at home. Information about public transportation can be included in town communications. And of course any employer — including municipalities — can provide public transportation benefits to its employees tax-free.

Resources:

The American Public Transportation Association, through its non-profit arm, has produced a report listing ten ways to encourage public transportation called "Unleash the Power of Public Transportation."

The National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates (NAPTA) has a colorful brochure called "It Pays to Ride Public Transportation" with information for employers about federal incentives for mass transit.