Re: “WA residents deserve more from their transportation system” (Nov. 9, Opinion):
Washington can construct the transport system we deserve: one which will get us the place we wish to go safely, effectively and affordably, whereas supporting wholesome individuals, financial system and setting.
First, we should select transport that doesn’t kill us instantly or slowly or strand us ready for a flight. Washington visitors fatalities are rising. “Fueling Illness,” by 12 well being organizations, summarizes how burning petroleum kills us by inflicting coronary heart, lung and mind illness. We don’t deserve all that, but when we hold doing what we’re doing, we’ll absolutely get extra of it.
How can we repair our costly damaged transport system? With extra trains, no more lanes, no more planes or airports. Per passenger mile, trains are probably the most environment friendly, healthiest transport alternative, even when burning diesel gas; and higher when electrified.
We’re constructing an ideal gentle rail system, and Home Invoice 1837 units necessities for the Washington State Division of Transportation to repair Amtrak Cascades failures. Passenger rail networks work effectively all around the world. Let’s use Local weather Dedication Act cash to construct ours now.
Breck Lebegue, MD, MPH, and Chris Covert-Bowlds, MD, co-chairs, Local weather and Well being Process Power, WA Physicians for Social Accountability
