“4-8% of all Utah deaths are attributable to air pollution." Emissions from vehicles account for more than half of the air pollution along the Wasatch front. Because of the severity of its effects, car pollution must be reduced. Mass transit, carpooling, telecommuting, car maintenance, adjusted driving habits, biking, and walking are all solutions to this problem.
 |
| Comparison of Emissions |
 |
| Frontrunner/TRAX Map |
Public Transportation
Public transportation generates much less pollution per person because it carries more people per vehicle than a car. Here are three different forms of local public transportation provided by UTA, the Utah Transit Authority.
Buses can get you almost anywhere you can to go in the Salt Lake Valley. A one-way pass is $2.50 and a day pass is $6.25.
TRAX is an inexpensive light rail with three different lines in the Salt Lake Valley. A one-way fare is $2.50, a round trip is $5.00, and a day pass is $6.25.
FrontRunner
is a newer, faster, and more convenient way to travel. Introduced in 2008, the
FrontRunner is a locomotive system that can reach up to 79 mph. It runs from Ogden to Provo, avoiding highway traffic. A one-way ticket from Provo to SLC is only $6.10, and a round trip ticket is $12.20.
Carpooling is an easy way to reduce your impact on the environment. Carpooling gets individuals to the same destination with fewer vehicles and less emissions. High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (HOV lanes) allow cars with two or more people to drive in a designated lane. These lanes are safer, faster, and can carry more people than others. On average they carry a ratio of about 3:1 compared to normal lanes. (Clean plate cars and motorcycles are also allowed in HOV lanes.) Average speed in HOV lanes is 69.4 MPH rather than 64.7 MPH. Statistically there are less car accidents in HOV lanes as well.
When employees telecommute, they do not commute to a central workplace. Rather, they stay at home or nearby and use the Internet and technology to communicate with co-workers and do their jobs. This decreases air pollution because they do not have to drive very far (if at all) to work.
Driving Responsibly/Car Maintenance
More responsible driving produces less emissions. By keeping the speed limit, accelerating slowly, not idling more than 30 seconds, using air-conditioning/heat less, and not driving with unnecessary weight in the car, you can help prevent pollution. Servicing your car often (regular tune-ups, oil changes, and tire rotations) allows your car to run as efficiently as possible.
Walking and Biking
Walking and biking prevent pollution, improve health, and reduce the cost of transit significantly. There is an added bonus as there will be fewer maintenance bills and gas cost with less vehicle usage.
The use of less energy will reduce the amount energy plants have to produce, decreasing their emissions and thus diminishing air pollution. Lowering the thermostat during winter, raising it in the summer, and turning off lights/appliances when you aren't using them are all ways to reduce your energy usage.
