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How Public Transit Is Playing A Role In Sun Belt City Growth

https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesr...h=26f45578287e

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- Many renters are flocking to smaller cities eager to get away from the high-cost rental areas now that remote work has become the norm. Those coming from large cities, like New York, often do not have a car and are used to relying on public transportation to get around. Also, as jobless numbers rise across the country, many will be looking to downsize expenses and may be reluctant to make a big purchase like a car. — For local residents, the influx of new people to their area could also mean more crowded roads and a strain on existing public transit systems. To avoid frustration from citizens old and new, places like Austin, Texas have voted to expand their public transportation system, which will help as increasingly more people flock to the bustling city. Not only does this help the community access these services but it also helps improve community relations by increasing the likelihood that people will use the system to visit local businesses and attractions more often, further supporting the local economy.

- Public transit also provides job opportunities to residents living outside of a city's business hub. In Phoenix, for example, 2020 ridership goals for their light rail were reached in 2018, two years ahead of schedule and only 10 years after its launch back in 2008. Since its launch, 35,000 jobs along with new development have come to areas within a half-mile of the city's light rail system. — The benefits of improved public transportation programs also extend beyond reduced traffic and access to jobs to include green initiatives as well. These expansions and improvements help the environment by reducing the overall carbon footprint of the city. Many cities across the country are focusing on green initiatives like reducing emissions caused by traffic congestion, cultivating green spaces throughout cities and improving access for cyclists and pedestrians to reduce reliance on cars. This heightened interest in the environment and the large influx of people coming to smaller cities means both usage and demand for public transportation services will likely be on the rise and meeting those demands will be paramount for continued success.

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