The Hudson Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) line saved New Jersey and New York commuters more than 3.4 million gallons of gasoline last year—the equivalent fuel consumed by 6,000 cars annually.
Transportation is responsible for more than two-thirds of our nation’s oil consumption and nearly a third of our carbon dioxide emissions. To make us more energy independent and reduce pollution, we need to build a transportation system that uses less oil, takes advantage of alternative fuels, and shifts as much of our travel as possible from transportation modes that consume a lot of energy to those that consume less.
The HBLR is a great example of how we can reduce gasoline consumption and increase energy independence through public transportation, in addition to strengthening the economy and improving quality of life.
Last year, nearly 16 million riders used the system – a more than 13 percent increase over ridership in 2007.By comparison, light rail use grew 8 percent nationally from 2007 to 2008.
