Among the sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, transportation has long been the single greatest contributor.  We certainly can reduce the emissions cost of transportation by increasing the efficiency of personal and commercial vehicles. But we can also address the problem by reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) substantially. One way to achieve this is to promote and use mass transit.

In order to reduce Rogue Valley emissions, we should support and encourage improvement in our regional mass transit system.

To help us understand what is happening, including what the opportunities and challenges are, Rogue Valley Transit District Board members Tonia Moro and Tom Fink will give an update on our transit system’s 25-year plan at the next Southern Oregon Climate Action Now (SOCAN) General Meeting. Recent funding bumps have given our community the capacity to improve service greatly in the Rogue Valley for the existing ridership base, and to better attract drivers away from the stress of automobile travel.  This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help our cities and our state achieve emissions reduction goals.  In addition, they will briefly outline the key industry metrics of transit quality, and what we must do to attain and sustain the improvements that increase it.

These meetings are free and open to the public