ENVIRONMENT: Curing the car culture
By Jeremy Moule on Apr. 22nd, 2008
In the Rochester region, 60 percent of vehicle trips are five miles or less. | That's not a new statistic, and it's one that Rich Perrin, executive director of the Genesee Transportation Council, cites often. But it illustrates a local habit and a dependence on cars. | A panel of experts talked transportation
last week during the Rochester Sierra Club's annual environmental forum. | To change the car-centered transportation system, locally and nationally, speakers said, it's going to take a broad effort using technology, public policy, and government regulation. And, perhaps most importantly, it will require individuals to change their habits. | "What we need now is a new national vision for transportation," Perrin said. | To address rising oil prices and to curb harmful emissions, people will have to drive less, walk or bike more, and make better use of public transportation, the panelists said. Goods may have to come from closer to home. Likewise, government will have to impose stricter emissions standards for vehicles and industry alike, and businesses will have to meet that challenge.






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