Megan Guzman, Opinions Editor
I recently came back from a trip to Boston, MA after attending a conference. Flying into Boston Logan Airport, my partner and I took an airport shuttle to the subway station, where we rode two trains to arrive at our Airbnb. For the entire weekend, we did not drive a car once, taking the train or walking everywhere we needed to go. After living in Greensboro for two years, this stark difference illuminated how much Greensboro’s public transportation system is lacking.
I am lucky to live in downtown Greensboro, within walking distance of most of the downtown Greensboro restaurants and coffee shops. However, like many students at UNCG, I drive and park at the university. This is because the Greensboro bus system is consistently unreliable and many buses end service after 7:30 p.m., which is before many graduate level classes end. Additionally, Greensboro’s infrastructure favors cars, with many sidewalks overgrown and impassable, located next to busy roads. Greensboro’s walkability score is significantly lower than other cities, particularly those in the northeast with better pedestrian and public infrastructure.
The benefits of better pedestrian infrastructure and more expansive public transportation are paramount. Walkable, bikeable cities benefit the environment by lessening the amount of driving residents have to do to get to their destinations. Car exhaust is the leading cause of climate change and better public transportation lessens each individual rider’s carbon footprint. The environmental benefits of walkable cities and increased public transportation are undeniable.
Additionally, walkable cities and increased public transportation improves local economies by driving people towards patronizing small businesses located in downtowns. Studies have found that walkable cities increase home values for communities and lessen the amount of strain on city services like police and ambulances because of a decrease in car accidents. Greensboro’s downtown, with many open storefronts and existing small businesses, could benefit from increased foot traffic.
Lastly, walkable cities with better public transportation are better for the health of residents, which can decrease the amount of people going to the hospital. A study found that living in a walkable city may decrease the risk of getting diagnosed with type two diabetes or high blood pressure. Walkability and public transportation also lead to stronger communities, as people interact with one another and form closer bonds.
Walkable cities rely on public transportation, affordable housing, biking infrastructure, and pedestrian safety to succeed. The Greensboro city council needs to invest in public transit to bolster and expand our current public transportation system to make it more reliable and accessible to residents. Additionally, they need to invest in building affordable housing through amending zoning laws to make affordable new houses mandatory. Greensboro can also expand bike lanes and renovate sidewalks, so pedestrians are protected from cars.
My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our time in Boston and wish we could have similar experiences in Greensboro. I hope that, in the future, Greensboro continues to expand their public transportation system, so it is more accessible and reliable for all Greensboro residents.
THE CAROLINIAN 