Living near Glorieta and working in Los Alamos, I am a regular public transit user. I choose to take transit for economics, environmental impact, convenience and health.
My daily commute is 100 miles round trip. With a vehicle that gets 14 miles per gallon (at an estimated $2.40 per gallon), I would spend nearly $350 per month on fuel, without accounting for vehicle wear and tear.
My monthly New Mexico Park and Ride pass is $90. The Atomic City Transit system is free. Environmentally public transit allows me to cut back on contributing to greenhouse gases.
In terms of improved health, I am able to work, read, sleep and relax, instead of driving among the hundreds of commuters on N.M. State Road 502.
These are my personal reasons. Using transit, I’ve come across people from all walks of life, many of whom use transit because it enables them to get around at low or no cost. Students, seniors, those with disabilities or medical conditions and those who want a better option than relying on their vehicle all regularly use public transit. Some do so out of need, some by choice.
I encourage lawmakers to recognize the importance of transit in New Mexico communities by ensuring adequate funding. I hope to see public transit expand in our state, and with dedicated funding, communities will grow, with less environmental harm.
Dennis Segura
Los Alamos