When we think of public transportation, we often think of the positive impact it has on easing congestion, supporting the local economy and providing an environmentally responsible alternative to driving alone.
But how many of us think about the role public transit plays in supporting health and wellness in our community? In the health care community, we think about it a lot.
Working in partnership with the Providence Institute for a Healthier Community, the Snohomish County Health Leadership Coalition has launched LiveHealthy2020, a countywide effort to improve the health of our community members in Snohomish County — starting with improvements to healthy physical activity and nutrition.
It’s a simple fact: Access to frequent and reliable public transit services makes “active transportation” like walking and biking an easier choice. It also improves air quality and better connects all our citizens to the jobs and other resources they need to live a healthy life, including access to health care when needed.
As health care leaders, our goal is to improve the health of Snohomish County — and Community Transit is helping to get us there.
As individuals with a deep concern about the health of our communities, we strongly encourage consideration of Proposition 1, a ballot measure to increase funding for Community Transit.
In July of this year, Community Transit joined with agencies from all across Snohomish County to launch “LiveHealthy2020” and became one of the first 89 agencies and community leaders pledging to work together to enhance our community’s health and well-being by 2020 and beyond. We value our growing partnerships and shared vision to improve the health of our community — and encourage you to take the LiveHealthy2020 pledge.
Whether we ride public transit or not, we all receive the health benefits of a thriving public transportation system.
Increasing physical activity: Obesity, especially among young people in our community, is one of the greatest health risks we face. Health experts agree that physical activity is a key to fighting obesity and reducing related heart and respiratory disease.
Most transit trips involve walking or cycling, and people who ride public transit are proven to be more active. According to the Federal Transit Administration, transit users walk on average 3 times as much as non-transit users.
Improving environmental health: Motor vehicle emissions are a major contributor to air pollution, which adversely affects those with respiratory illnesses like asthma. Increased use of public transportation greatly reduces motor vehicle emissions. According to the American Public Transportation Association, on average, public transportation produces 95 percent less carbon monoxide, 90 percent less in volatile organic compounds, and 50 percent less carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide per passenger mile than private vehicles.
Providing connections and better access to health care: Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more Snohomish County residents have health care coverage than ever before. But a lack of adequate transportation is a major barrier for many seeking medical care. This is especially true for seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, low-income populations and for those living in rural areas of our county where bus service is more limited.
Community Transit provides lifeline level service all across Snohomish County to help people get access to medical care and human service programs.
The connection between transit and health is not new, but the extent to which it is being integrated into strategic planning across the region is.
Investing in transit improvements is an essential element to creating healthier communities. Transit encourages health and fitness, improves air quality and can reduce isolation and barriers to accessing healthcare services. Improving the health of our communities is our goal and increasing transit service will help us get there.
We urge your support of Community Transit’s Proposition 1 on Nov. 3.
Scott Forslund is executive director of the Providence Institute for a Healthier Community and director of the Snohomish County Health Leadership Coalition. Dr. Gary Goldbaum is the health officer for Snohomish County, director of the Snohomish Health District, founding member of the Snohomish County Health Leadership Coalition, and a regular bike/bus commuter.
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