A thought about air pollution (Bountiful: car tax, living in, costs)

[urban nomad]

January seems to be my worst month in SLC. The inversion trapped pollution always coincides with cold/flu season, and I seem to get hit every year by one or the other or both. So I got to thinking, and this forum is as good a place as any to float the idea: What if all public transportation was free on red days? Forget for now about how we would pay for it. Would it make a difference? Do you think people would take to the idea and use more public transport?

[SergeantL]

Originally Posted by urban nomad

January seems to be my worst month in SLC. The inversion trapped pollution always coincides with cold/flu season, and I seem to get hit every year by one or the other or both. So I got to thinking, and this forum is as good a place as any to float the idea: What if all public transportation was free on red days? Forget for now about how we would pay for it. Would it make a difference? Do you think people would take to the idea and use more public transport?

This idea is popular in California. It is called "Spare the Air Day." The cumulative effect is negligible. Although there is a measurable reduction in pollutants, it is not sufficient to relieve human symptoms associated with smog. Studies indicate that costs associated with reductions in transportation fares outweigh the benefits derived in reduced medical costs for treatment of symptoms; although, no long term studies have been conducted. I know, I know, I sound cold, but try to forgive me. My BS was in economics, and I am currently completing my MA in Public Administration.

[sofam]

urban nomad, While you will probably get some who will think free mass transit during inversions a good idea, I agree with SergeantL. Anecdotally, I tried using the bus system when I lived in Bountiful. What was a 15 minute commute in a car turned into a two hour trip using UTA. And if I was late in getting the last bus that went near my home, I could add another 30-45 minute trudge. Human nature being what it is, the number of people not using their cars would have little effect IMO. I could go on about vehicle emissions, mid block cross walks and timing lights for efficiency, but I best not.

[Calibelle]

I am American, but have been living in England for the past year and a half because of my husband's job. It has opened my eyes a lot to our vehicle situation in America. Urban Nomad, although the idea you mentioned is a good one, it isn't where America needs to start. Here in England, you almost never see an SUV, or a huge gas guzzling vehicle. If you do drive one, you pay more for your car in each years car tax (similar to resistration in America). American's need to start thinking about down sizing their enormous cars. I know some people have large familes, but there are still larger vehicles that will seat everybody, and decrease pollution. Instead of raising gas prices, and making every body's life miserable, they should increase registration costs for larger vehicles. Maybe some wont agree, but that is where it should start.