Reader Elizabeth Taylor, an attorney working in Solana Beach, has this perspective on public transit to share:
After living in Portland, OR and Washington, DC and experiencing the ease of life without a car, I find it appalling that a city like San Diego is so behind the times when it comes to public transit. I think we need to get serious about implementing a comprehensive system similar to these cities. I live in Encinitas and while the Coaster is fine for getting to and from downtown during regular commute hours, service from downtown stops at 6:45 pm.
And she shared her “transit wish list” with us, too:
I would like to see extended hours (so I don’t have to drive if I want to stay for an evening event or work late) as well as Sunday service (so I don’t have to drive to the airport when I leave town for a weekend). I would also like to see work begin on a much more comprehensive system, eliminating the need for a car in SD county. I for one would much prefer to put my money toward public transit than at the pump. It’s better for public health (more exercise, less stress, fewer car accidents), for the environment (reduced emissions means better air and water quality), for national security (reduced demand for oil), and for the economy (ease of transit means increased business efficiency and more tourism). I think this is single most important issue facing San Diego county today.
What about you? Do you agree with Elizabeth’s opinion that public transit is the most important issue? Click here to submit a question or comment as Survival hits the road.