Tucson Opinion: RTA Next must lead with climate change, safety, and equity, not just more of the same | Local Editorials and Opinion

[ad_1]

The following column is the author’s opinion and analysis:

If the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) is to be truly regional, it has to deal seriously with the key performance indicators listed in the Regional Mobility and Accessibility Plan (RMAP) 2045. This snapshot of how well our regional transportation network is performing now and in the near future shows that we are going in the wrong direction in important areas, including greenhouse gas emissions per capita, kilometers traveled per capita, and the total number of bicycle and pedestrian deaths.

At a time when we see news of record-breaking heat domes, forest fires and mega-droughts every day, it is clear to everyone that we are entering a new climatic reality. Traffic is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country today. Fortunately, it’s also an area where ordinary citizens have the chance to make a difference in our day-to-day decisions. But we need better options so that we can make these better decisions and so that changes are really possible.

We have to set a new course if we want to meet the challenges of our new climatic reality, and that means prioritizing and accelerating increased investment in frequent and reliable means of transport as well as safe and comfortable options for cycling and walking. And while electric cars can be part of the solution, they don’t solve any of our persistent safety problems, most of which are a by-product of roads that prioritize the fast movement of cars, whether gasoline or electric.

[ad_2]