The Classic City Rotary of Athens Eco Passport is a year-long initiative to encourage members to engage in eco-friendly activities and promote environmental awareness. Members earn points by completing various sustainable actions, such as recycling, composting, attending environmental talks, and participating in service projects. ECORotary@sosuin.org
Eco Passport Item # 19 – “When possible, use public transportation”
By Salome Alvarez, Southern Sustainability Institute, Athens, GA
Email: Blog@sosuin.org.
Public transportation isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B. It’s about making choices that benefit not only ourselves, but also our community and the environment we all share. In Athens, Georgia, using public transit can be a small but impactful way to support local sustainability efforts, cut down on traffic, and promote economic growth. But before we dive into why public transportation matters so much today, let’s take a quick look back at how it became part of Athens’ story.
A Brief History of Public Transit in Athens
Athens Transit has been an essential part of this city since the early 1970s, born out of a growing need for more accessible and affordable transportation. As Athens grew, so did the demand for a reliable way to move around without relying on personal vehicles. Initially a modest system with just a handful of routes, Athens Transit has since expanded its reach to cover the city’s key areas, serving both residents and visitors alike.
Over the years, the University of Georgia (UGA) also established its own transit system, which today operates one of the largest university-run bus systems in the country. Originally designed to help students navigate the sprawling campus, UGA’s buses now provide a valuable resource for the greater community, linking the university with surrounding neighborhoods.
But beyond convenience and practicality, public transportation in Athens has taken on new significance as cities around the world face challenges related to climate change and sustainability. Transit systems like Athens Transit have adapted over the years, incorporating greener technologies and focusing more on reducing emissions, making them an important piece of our city’s future.
The Importance of Public Transportation in Athens
So why should you consider hopping on a bus instead of driving your car around Athens? Public transportation offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond convenience:
- Environmental Benefits: One of the most important aspects of public transportation is its positive impact on the environment. Every time you choose public transit, you’re reducing the number of individual cars on the road, which lowers carbon emissions. This not only helps improve air quality in Athens but also contributes to the global fight against climate change. As Athens works toward its sustainability goals, public transit will play an even larger role in reducing our city’s carbon footprint.
- Economic Efficiency: Public transportation is an economical choice, especially as fuel prices rise. Athens Transit provides a low-cost way to commute, shop, and explore the city. More people using public transit means less need for expensive parking infrastructure and road maintenance. It also connects people to local businesses, helping to support the local economy and reduce financial strain on individuals.
- Traffic Reduction and Infrastructure Longevity: As more people move to Athens, the city’s infrastructure is under increasing strain. Public transportation helps mitigate traffic congestion, reduces wear and tear on roads, and helps extend the life of the city’s infrastructure. Fewer cars on the road mean fewer repairs and lower long-term maintenance costs for the city.
- Social Equity: Public transportation provides access to essential services for everyone, regardless of income, age, or ability. For many residents who cannot afford a car or prefer not to drive, public transit is a lifeline, offering access to jobs, education, healthcare, and community events. It ensures that everyone can participate in the economic and social fabric of Athens.
In short, public transportation is essential for building a more sustainable, equitable, and economically vibrant Athens. By making public transit part of your routine, you’re contributing to a healthier environment, supporting local businesses, and helping create a more connected community.
Athens’ Public Transportation Options
- Athens Transit: Athens Transit operates a fleet of buses covering a wide range of routes across Athens-Clarke County. With affordable fares and services that cater to students, professionals, and residents alike, it’s one of the easiest ways to get around the city. The transit system is always looking to improve, including efforts to transition to more energy-efficient buses in line with sustainability goals.
- UGA Transit: The University of Georgia operates its own transit system, which is free for students, faculty, and visitors. While it primarily serves the university campus, the UGA buses also connect to broader areas of Athens, providing another layer of accessibility to the public.
- Bike-Friendly Transit: Athens is known for being a bike-friendly city, and many of the buses are equipped with bike racks. This means you can easily combine cycling with public transportation for a more flexible, eco-friendly commute.
How to Make Public Transportation Part of Your Routine
Making the shift to using public transportation more often may seem like a big change, but it doesn’t have to be. Start small: plan your route ahead of time using available apps or websites to track buses in real time. Incorporate walking or biking to your bus stop to increase your daily physical activity while reducing your carbon footprint. Over time, you’ll find that public transit can be an easy, reliable, and cost-effective way to get around.
Resources for Athens Public Transportation:
- Athens Transit: Find bus schedules, routes, and fare information for Athens-Clarke County’s public transit system.
- UGA Campus Transit: Learn more about UGA’s free transit system for students, faculty, and visitors.
- Georgia Department of Transportation: Information about state-wide transit initiatives and transportation resources.
Resources:
https://www.visitathensga.com/listing/athens-clarke-county-transit/488/
https://gradynewsource.uga.edu/athens-transit-looks-to-improve-service-with-new-development-plan/
https://www.accgov.com/2067/Fixed-Route-Service
