In advance of my public transportation experiment tomorrow here is an item from Bob O'Malley, Public Affairs Director of METROPLAN Orlando about the need for public transit:

A reliable transportation system cannot rely on just one mode of travel. All modes must work together as one cohesive system to meet the diverse travel and transport needs of a region’s residents, visitors and businesses.

Certainly, roadways are the major component of any transportation system, but mass transit is also critical to ensuring mobility. A transportation system without mass transit cannot operate effectively. A significant portion of Central Florida’s workforce depends on transit to get to their jobs or to school. If the transit connection between employment centers and labor did not exist, the economy would suffer. You may not use public transportation, but someone you know, work with or do business with does.

In addition to fixed-route bus systems, another vital aspect of public transportation is paratransit service for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Like the citizens who ride the bus, these people depend on public transportation for trips to work, school and healthcare facilities. Those who advocate only for road improvements are ignoring the needs of their fellow citizens who rely on public transportation.

Throughout Florida, we need to improve public transportation. More buses are needed to provide more frequent service and expanded routes. However, these improvements cannot be made without additional funding. The question we need to ask of ourselves is: Are we willing to invest in public transportation?