Want to:
- Make our community more equitable to people of all income levels?
- Cut down on greenhouse gases?
- Help the terrible situation in Ukraine?
One answer to all three of these questions is: Ride the bus!
Did you know the Upper Valley has one of the best rural bus systems in the country? Four companies transport people in and around our region. With big distances and low population densities, it’s not easy to serve a rural area with public transit, but it’s happening here and now.
Here’s why it’s time to replace as many car trips as you can with bus trips.
- Currently, Upper Valley bus rides are FREE or extremely discounted – far lower than gas costs.
- Service has expanded!
– New Claremont-Lebanon service
– New service to Strafford, Tunbridge, and Chelsea that also helps with transportation for high school and Vermont Law School students
– New midday service for I-91 north of Lebanon/White River Junction - Relying on cars for transportation is not equitable for different income levels. Gas and car maintenance costs can place a huge “energy burden” on low-income households.
- Gas prices are rising due to sanctions imposed on Russia, analysts say. But rather than griping about it, we can support these necessary sanctions and cut our gas consumption if we take the bus more.
- Buses are among the most COVID-safe public spaces because they must follow strict federal regulations. Upper Valley companies have installed barriers and follow rigorous cleaning protocols.
- Each additional bus passenger reduces buses’ emissions per person per mile, improving their fuel efficiency!
As the saying goes, “Use it or lose it.” For bus service to be financially viable, it needs riders. Vote with your feet for a form of transportation that can help us curb fossil fuel dependence, cut greenhouse gases, and make our community more equitable.
Published 3/4/22