Would you like to save $10,000 next year?

Did you know a two-person household can save an average of $9,986 per year by swapping one of their cars for public transit? In Chicago, those savings increase to $11,698.

Add in other benefits like productive time (on the train) or avoiding accidents and traffic tickets, and that number climbs even higher. And none of that includes all the other external benefits from transit like cleaner air or more vibrant public spaces, which are so hard to capture.

Those savings could translate to nearly a quarter of the average American household’s annual income.

The problem is that for many Americans, giving up a car would be a real sacrifice. In so many communities life without a car would mean long commutes, prolonged errands and reduced access to family and friends. $10,000 isn’t worth isolation.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Basic investments in public transportation allow people to rely less on their cars – or not at all. Yet, everyday politicians refuse to invest in transit because it costs too much money. They claim they don’t want to spend taxpayer money. They want lower taxes.

In fact, by not providing enough transportation choices, politicians are imposing a $10,000 tax on millions of Americans.

Until next week,

Julius Parod
Manager of Communications
[email protected]

PS: Check out how much you could save by switching to public transportation here.

Last Week at MHSRA:

Executive Director Rick Harnish attended the Official Groundbreaking Ceremony for California’s new high-speed line. Check out our pictures on Instagram.

Articles We Enjoyed:

America’s most ambitious infrastructure project of the century: Why today’s high-speed rail launch is miraculous
“Want to show the power of what government can achieve despite conservative opposition? Look at high-speed rail.”

Consolidate CTA, Metra, Pace of scrap RTA report concludes
Washington think-tank takes a closer look at Chicago’s transit agencies.

Las Vegas casinos may be betting on high-speed rail
The DesertXpress line could plug into California’s high-speed infrastructure and attract private investment.

“High-speed Train Tribe” Grows with China’s Expanding Rail Network
Commuting by high-speed train is a growing practice in China – and would be an excellent option in the Chicago-Milwaukee and Chicago-Champaign corridors.

Brown Candid On Long Time Line For High-Speed Rail
Some great quotes from California’s Governor about the project.

Upcoming Events:

March 21st – Annual Spring Meeting in Chicago, IL. See presentations by public officials and transportation experts from across the Midwest.

April 29th – Illinois Railroad Summit in Springfield, IL. Save the date; more details to follow.

2014 was a tremendous year for high-speed rail and public transportation. Help begin 2015 in the right direction with a donation of $15 or more today.