MetroLink is Needed for a Myriad of Reasons

The MetroLink will  reduce air pollution:

 

  • Diesel fuel and gasoline are highly toxic substances: when gasoline evaporates and when it is burned in internal combustion and diesel engines, toxic pollution is emitted. The Clean Air Network argues that diesel fuel and gasoline are the most deadly toxic substances people encounter on a daily basis. 

  • The Metro will decrease air pollution by providing people with an alternative to driving personal vehicles. MetroLink trains are powered by electricity and emit no fuel vapors. Each MetroLink train filled to capacity can remove as many as 356 cars from traffic. The average weekday rider ship for MetroLink in FY 2001 was 42,381  

  • The MetroLink will help to reduce pollutants by decreasing the number of automobiles on our highways. The Sierra Club reported that cars and trucks emit 12 pounds of cancer chemicals annually for every person in America.  The Environmental Protection Agency states that cars, trucks, and old buses are the main causes of cancer-causing pollutants and green house air pollution

 

 

The MetroLink promotes sustainable development
Land use and sustainable development are key issues in our county.  The MetroLink stations would be designed with the communities in mind, catering not only to automobile users, but also to pedestrians, bicyclists, and bus users.

 

Expanding MetroLink into Madison County will help minimize fuel consumption and reduce traffic congestion
Illinois Department of Transportation’s figures show that in 1990 there were 280,000 vehicles per day crossing the Mississippi River. They estimate that the numbers will increase to 363,000 in 2020. The MetroLink can curb fuel consumption by offering commuters a safe and convenient alternative mode of transportation.  

 

The MetroLink will save taxpayers money
According to MetroLink’s website, “Using the Metro saves money on gas and parking. It also reduces mileage and need for maintenance on personal vehicles.” According to the American Public Transportation Association, “if a person were to travel using only the Metro for a year, the costs, including distance and parking surcharges, would be $1,982.40. By relying solely on a midsize personal vehicle, however, a person could spend $5,526 a year for 10,000 miles of driving and other operating and ownership costs.” Additional cost savings could be realized through reducing highway construction costs and maintenance. 

 

      The MetroLink will entail an important Social Welfare Aspect
It will help promote equal opportunities by providing this service to the elderly, disabled, young and economically underprivileged individuals. The Sierra Club believes that minimum-level transit service should be available for everyone.  

 

   The MetroLink will stimulate economic development as it strengthens local communities
It will provide access to work, school, medical facilities, shopping, recreation, services, and businesses while reducing the necessity of single occupancy vehicle use. A computer modeling by economist Stephen Taylor of the St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association estimated that the county can expect $252 million in added business revenues and $249 million increase in personal incomes.