CTAI Blog

An Easy Way to Prevent Teenage Driving Deaths

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

According to Sarah Goodyear of The Atlantic Cities magazine, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teenage deaths in America. Putting a teen behind the wheel of a car also opens them up to a host of other secondary consequences--consequences that manifest primarily in the types of behavior that teen drivers display when they're plugged into "car culture."

These consequences include "physical inactivity, obesity, alcohol use, drug use, poorer grades and sexually transmitted diseases." In short, teens typically display exactly the sort of reckless, impulsive behavior that one might expect to see from them when they have the power to easily drive out from under the eyes of any adult.

Yet many teens don't have any option but to get behind the wheel of a car. Just like adults, teens often have jobs or other responsibilities ot tackle--and parents don't always have time to play taxi.

So teens need, as the article described, the option to avoid driving altogether. This option saves lives while helping teens continue to receive access to transportation options that they need as they work towards their goals or enjoy their social lives.

These options encompass more than extended bus lines. There is a "total transportation management strategy" that needs to be worked out if we're going to reduce teenage driving deaths.

"This strategy encourages people to use more efficient and beneficial travel modes...through a holistic, integrated set of policies ranging from parking prices to transit improvements to traffic calming. This combined approach, according to its advocates, can shape the way people make travel choices over time. Having a bike-share system, for instance, combined with traffic-calmed streets, will make people more likely to bike rather than drive, thus reducing congestion and emissions. And the person gets some exercise, too...Kids need to be able to make fully informed choices and not be forced into driving simply because the society doesn't offer alternatives or make them useful and accessible."

Given today's teens would rather own a smartphone than a car, it's safe to say that these measures would be more than effective at saving teen lives and reducing parental worries.

Live Longer by Commuting Less

Tue, 14 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

This USA Today post is about a year old, but the information it shares about the link between long commutes and poor health is still quite relevant and worth knowing about. The story references a study by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

"This is the first study to show that people who commute long distances to work were less fit, weighed more, were less physically active and had higher blood pressure...all of these are strong predictors of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers."

There are plenty of reasons for the links between a long commute and ill health.

One reason is time. Time spent behind the windshield robs you of time to exercise. Ironically, you need more time to exercise if you're driving a lot because driving is such a stationary activity.

You also have less time to cook healthy foods. People who drive longer are often much more prone to reach for fast food, which can quickly take a toll on one's health and well-being.

People with long commutes usually have to get up earlier, which means inviting the poor health problems that come with inadequate sleep.

Then there's the stress. You're losing time with your family. You're not getting anything productive done. And traffic is stressful too.

Traffic jams, rude drivers and harsh weather conditions are enough to raise anybody's blood pressure. Stress results in hormonal changes and weaker immune systems, too.

Public transportation helps by reducing the amount of traffic on the road, which reduces the time and stress involved in making the daily commute. It also offers many commuters the option of taking a stress-free trip to work.

Instead of slamming on the breaks to avoid someone who just cut you off you could sit back in a clean, climate-controlled bus or van, enjoying a book, a game on your smart phone, or the chance to catch a short nap. You could even sip your morning coffee instead of gulping it down between lane changes.

Public transportation can't reduce distances, so if you still live 45 miles away from your job you're still going to suffer from some of the issues of reduced time and increased stress. But public transportation options can still help that time pass far more pleasantly, which is better for your health overall.

Is Car-Free Growth the Next Great Business Opportunity?

Thu, 09 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

A blogger at the Harvard Business Review has made some predictions about the face of the 21st Century economy. The picture he paints is, as it happens, painted green...both in terms of emerging trends in sustainable, emission-free solutions and the money to be made in developing and supporting these solutions.

That means if you're a savvy business owner it's a great idea to take a look at car-free trends. According to author Alex Steffen:

"Auto emissions--their manufacture and tailpipe emissions, together with the emissions created by the infrastructure, land use, and businesses designed to support their use--make up the largest single source of greenhouse gasses in the United States.

But the solution to the problem of car emissions will not be found under the hood: even the best cars we can imagine would be unsustainable in the context of auto-dependent sprawls. That context, though, can change. Indeed, it already is changing, and rapidly.

Compact, walkable neighborhoods are in high demand now, and it's probably the best-proven finding in urban planning that dense communities use less energy on transportation and require fewer cars and less infrastructure to meet the needs of their residents. New housing growth that fills out existing communities, rather than creating more urban sprawl; investments in walkability; improvements to mass transit; all of these not only dramatically shift driving needs, they improve quality of life. Rebuilding cities will cut auto emissions much faster than technological innovation in the auto industry. And we're entering a city-building boom, both in the US and internationally. Climate, energy, and resource issues guarantee those cities will not work as they do today."

Some businesses have already made money from car-free trends. As the above-referenced post mentions, the ride-sharing service Zip Car (now owned by car rental service Avis) is one example of this.

But you don't have to start an innovative new business to benefit from the link between public transportation and the opportunity for profit. Some of the most traditional types of storefronts in the world, from restaurants to dentist's offices, can benefit from the expansion of public transportation services.

How can public transit increase your profits?

Public transportation creates more disposable income for families. The average American car owner spends $8776 per year per car on car payments, gas, car insurance, and car maintenance. What could your business accomplish if more people are free to spend a portion of that $8776 on your products or services instead?
More customers. An increase in public transportation services means that more people can get to your doorstep than ever before -- people for whom your establishment might previously have been out of reach. That means more sales and higher profits for you.
Better employees. You get a larger labor pool to choose from. There's also less absenteeism and turnover for businesses that are near public transportation options. A single vehicle is prone to breakdown and malfunction. It is not "reliable transportation." A well-run public transportation fleet is reliable transportation, since a broken down bus can be replaced with another bus from the fleet with relative ease.

Of course, if you are in the business of selling cars or car services you'd have to find other ways to adapt and grow in the 21st century economy, just like the guy who sold horses and horseshoes at the beginning of the 20th. But if you are in any other business there are profits to be made should you choose to add your voice to others who are choosing to advocate for better, more expansive public transportation services for their communities.

How to Save Money on Gas

Tue, 07 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

High summer gas prices are on their way, and USA Today is already reporting that gas prices could reach a record high this summer. 2008's gas prices skyrocketed to $4.11 per gallon, but experts are estimating gas prices as high as $4.25 per gallon (if not higher) this year.

The Wall Street Journal's Market Watch has responded to these impending price hikes by releasing some tips for keeping your gas bill low in 2013. This post makes the very valid point that gas prices are still much higher in other areas of the world, but still provides advice on reducing consumption by driving slower, avoiding aggressive driving tactics, and rolling down the windows rather than turning on the AC.

The tips are good, but The Wall Street Journal neglected to mention the most obvious gas-saving tip of all: stop driving so much.

Admittedly, this isn't the first solution most people think about. Most people assume that they have to drive.

However, there are plenty of options for driving less. You could put together a car pool, or take advantage of the park-and-ride system.

Nobody's saying you have to give up your car entirely if you feel that isn't really an option for you, but you should be aware that you do have options for driving less.

By doing so, you won't just save money. You'll get more mileage out of your time, too. If you're not driving you can check your e-mail, read or compose reports, or just take a few moments for yourself. You can remove the stresses that come with navigating traffic and start your day feeling calmer and more alert.

If you can't incorporate public transit into your commute, why not explore your options for shorter trips? For example, if you really only need to dash around the corner to pick up milk then perhaps you could try walking or biking to reach your destination.

You won't just save on gas. You'll get exercise, too, which means you might also save money on gym fees.

One thing is certain: gas prices will only continue to rise, and spending less time behind the wheel is likely to become less optional for more and more families. Thus, it is important for Idaho to grow its public transportation infrastructure now, so that our state will be ready to manage the increased demand that's coming.

Bits and Pieces

Tue, 07 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

By: Clif Warren, CTAI District 1 Mobility Manager

An Aha Moment is something we have all experienced. It is the manifestation of life experiences and ideas coming together in a flash of awareness. It usually happens to me while I am driving. There is nothing like the monotony of the road slipping under you to allow your brain the freedom to randomly assemble the bits and pieces of information that have built up over time. You start thinking about a situation or problem when suddenly you realize you have the solution and, if you are lucky, a golden opportunity.

From where do the bits and pieces of information come? They come from everywhere. They come from people you talk to; from the articles you read; from listening at meetings; from the barista at the coffee shop; from something a teacher said in high school; they could even come from watching your dog run across the yard. The come from literally everything you have experienced at anytime in your life.

Of course, most Aha Moments come from bits and pieces that are somewhat related.

What does this have to do with Mobility? Well, it has a great deal to do with my job as a Mobility Manager. I am constantly gathering bits and pieces. I am talking to County Commissioners, Mayors and City Council Members. I am attending community meetings. I talk to social service agency representatives. I read local news. I get hundreds of emails a week. I note the funding opportunities passed along by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). I hear the needs that individuals express. I listen to the gossip. I look at Federal Transit Administration Circulars and ITD policies on the internet. I try to remember the casual remark that stands out as something unusual. I am learning the community; their strengths, their weaknesses, their needs and their assets. All of it is bits and pieces that come together to form the Aha Moment. That time when I can assemble just the right combination to improve the mobility of the people in District 1.

Things happen all around the state because of this process. Good things. Things that would not happen if people like me were not out in the community gathering and connecting bits and pieces.

Sustainability through Public Transit

Mon, 06 May 2013 22:13:00 GMT

By: Dave Doran, CTAI District 5 Mobility Manager

Many consider public transit to be a cost effective and practical alternative to driving. Indeed, public transit services provide citizens with an economical choice on how to move about their community, but these services also provide significant values in terms of sustainability. Public transit use increases both short and long-term sustainability in multiple sectors of our economy including business, personal and regional health and the environment.

The use of public transit can free up financial resources individuals might otherwise have dedicated to the operation and maintenance of a personal vehicle. This has the potential to create more economic stability within the individual’s family / household and ultimately less stress for resources. In the long term, increased use of transit also creates jobs -generating more economic prosperity in a progressive industry and reducing American consumption and dependence on non-renewable and foreign energy sources. The use of other forms of transit, like shuttles and vanpools, is also good for employers and their business development. Having a vanpool or another transportation choice to get employees to work can allow employers to draw a more competitive workforce from beyond the immediate vicinity and from the greater region. It can also increase safety and punctuality to the worksite, and reduce absenteeism and stress in the workforce; all of which increase productivity and generate added corporate revenue. This industry potential can also draw more businesses to Idaho communities creating increased regional economic prosperity.

By taking cars off the road, public transit also reduces carbon dioxide and other harmful particulate matter emitted into the atmosphere through vehicle emissions, which improves regional air quality and citizen health. In addition, most public transit trips begin and end with a pedestrian or bicycle trip to and from the transit stop. Consequently, those who use transit as a regular source of transportation are more likely to be physically active than their single-occupancy-vehicle driving counterparts. This is a critical thought when you consider that in 2011, 27% of Idaho adults were considered obese and that over $320 million dollars was spent in Idaho in 2010 on related health concerns (Landis Nov. 9, 12). Having a more physically active society will ultimately reduce obesity rates and expenditures on other health related concerns, sustaining a healthier environment on multiple planes.

Public transportation services also provide a sustainable contribution to communities by ultimately preserving tax-based infrastructure and departmental expenditures dedicated to maintaining roads and bridges. This is essential for states like Idaho who have large transportation networks covering many miles of roads, with a small population base to adequately support such infrastructure.

Additionally, public transportation industries are becoming more sustainable in and of themselves. Through the incorporation of intermodal transit facilities,and moving one step further by implementing architecturally certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for those facilities, transit agencies like Pocatello Regional Transit (PRT) are paving the way for sustaining public transit services in a strained national economic state. With the utility cost savings PRT will soon realize in their LEED –Silver certified intermodal transit facility, public funds can potentially be dedicated to expand and improve service operations. Additionally,considering technological advancements in alternative fuel sources like compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid propane auto-gas, transit agencies have additional opportunities to increase their already dedicated involvement in sustaining the health, environment and economic stability of our country.

*Landis, Bruce W. “The Dollars and Sense of Bicycling and Walking: Idaho’s Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Stakeholders Groups’ Kick-off” Roadshow.” Nov. 9, 2012.

http://itd.idaho.gov/bike_ped/ID%20Statewide%20Bicycle%20and%20Pedestrian%20Master%20Plan%20Update%20Mtg%20Dec%2012%202012.pdf

Is the Generation Gap Having an Impact on Public Transportation Policy?

Thu, 02 May 2013 22:37:00 GMT

Blogger Joe Baur of the Article 3 blog ran a fascinating analysis on the impact that the generation gap between Boomers and millennials may be having on pubilc transportation policy. His argument was that unsustainable, car-based urban sprawl development has been fueled (no pun intended) by a Boomer car culture that grew up seeing automobile ownership as a central part of the American dream. Baur believes that public transit is largely being blocked by a resistance to change on the part of the older generations who still hold the reigns of power.

There is certainly some kind of disconnect going on, but age alone may not be the source. The source may actually be the increasing disconnect between career politicians and their constituents, regardless of age.

Rob Perks of the Natural Resources Defense Council Staff Blog offered highlights from an American Public Transit Association (APTA) poll which says that the majority of Americans do want more public transit options. According to the poll:

63% of Americans favor new public transit options over constructing new highways to fight traffic problems.
59% of Americans would prefer to have more public transit options so they don't have to drive. Many people see driving as an unpleasant, dangerous chore.
76% of Americans want to use public transit as a way to reduce dependence on foreign oil.
75% of Americans are willing to see tax dollars used to pay for more public transit.
73% of Americans acknowledge the role that public transit plays in creating economic growth in their communities.

It's true that members of Gen X and Gen Y are leading the way when it comes to moving back into urban areas specifically to take advantage of public transportation options. It's true that these are the two generations who either want to drive less or skip the costs of owning a car altogether.

But older Americans need public transportation, too. Many elderly people come to rely upon public transportation when they can no longer drive.

So why aren't politicians listening? Are lobbyists from certain industries and special interest groups deafening them? Are their votes based on outdated policy paradigms that no longer apply in the 21st century? Are they just stubborn?

In the end, the reason doesn't entirely matter. Baur's parting advice to his readers applies whether the issue is a generation gap, willful stubbornness or corruption. If you want to see sustainable transportation development in your community you might just have to run for office yourself to get it.

Public Transit: The Affordable Choice

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 03:51:00 GMT

Car ownership is expensive. And, as those who do not live within easy access of affordable public transportation know all too well, depending only on your car is even more expensive. Access to affordable public transit in residential areas is crucial to keeping the average American family on track financially. Families who rely on a car are at the mercy of ever-climbing gas and insurance rates. And now, when gas prices across the country are dropping, Idahoans are looking at gas prices which are higher than the nation average.

Cost aside, according to the American Public Transportation Association, "Public transportation’s overall effects save the United States 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually." Lessening America's dependence on the expense of gasoline and imports, advancing public transportation also brings more jobs to our communities. Not just that, but "households near public transit drive an average of 4,400 fewer miles than households with no access to public transit," says APTA, "This equates to an individual household reduction of 223 gallons per year."

APTA's research shows further impetus to broaden our public transportation systems, too. The overall economic effect of public transportation is overwhelmingly positive:

Every $1 invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns.
Every $1 billion invested in public transportation creates or supports 36,000 jobs.
Every $10 million in capital investment in public transportation yields $30 million in increased business sales.
Every $10 million in operating investment yields $32 million in increased business sales.
Public transportation not only gets people to work it puts people to work.

A Multitude of Advantages of Bicycle Commuting

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Many of those who have made the lifestyle change to bicycle commuting made the choice in an effort to break from the daily rat race of traffic congestion within their commute. Have these individuals also helped to break the cycle for the rest of us? The jury is still out on whether bicycle commuters have much impact on overall congestion, but one thing is clear: mixed-use roads, those designed for both cars and bicycles, seem worth the investment in our future.

Bicycle commuting offers not only an escape from sitting stuck in a car, but also helps aid the fight to lessen car pollution. Although you can't keep cars off the road altogether, one less vehicle on the roads is, most assuredly, one less vehicle on the road. Ridesharing and carpooling, of course contribute to this end as well.

Studies show that those who commute by bicycle are healthier than even the most active of those who do not. Of course, in considering this average, there are certain outliers, but overall, the average result is clear: Those who commute by bike gain less weight on average than whose who do not, even when they are physically active. For more on this, continue reading at PlanetSave.com.

In considering biking as a viable commute alternative, it's important to note also the economic factors. Within our economy of late, there has been an increase in bike commuters out of sheer need. According to the La Crosse Tribune, "National trends show that bicycle commuting took off again during the recession." Between difficult economic times and extremely high gas prices, bikers have begun to get practical and save where they can. Fortunately, this increase in bike ridership seems to have brought about greater awareness and acceptance, both in the general public and in policymakers. Hopefully, this trend will continue, and lawmakers will recognize the value in planning mixed-use roads.

Lastly, let's consider the impact that biking has on a personal level as well. As is lessening congestion and pollution, gaining health benefits, and saving money weren't enough of an impetus to take us bicycle commuting, perhaps your mental health and self esteem will benefit from making the switch! Phillip Schwartz, a bicycle commuter, reflects on how biking brought an entirely new dimension into his life, including competitive bike racing, "Bike commuting has done a lot for me—from getting me in shape to helping me save gas money. Now it has led me to racing, a place I never thought I’d be. Who knows what’s next?"

Challenges for Transit Federal Funding

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 01:23:00 GMT

It's easy to wonder sometimes how the things that get funding from Capitol Hill end up there. Considering how some issues are handled, it may seem from the outside that important topics are entirely overlooked. Transit issues can often seem ignored, or simply left to the state governments to sort out. It seems obvious that Federal support is needed to make a change, so why doesn't Transit funding get the attention it deserves?

According to former New York City councilman Sal Albanese, this is because transit doesn't have lobbyists in Washington, DC. Albanese advocates for mayors and others in leadership positions to make transit a priority and to speak out in favor of changes. Like many of us, Albanese would like to see transit systems improved as a means to help improve air quality in the US, as well as to see US government funds utilized more efficiently. As reported by MSNBC, "The federal government spends vastly more to fund highway construction and repair than it does to build or upgrade mass transit systems, and the public health impact of that policy choice is rather clear: More cars on the street means more carbon emitted into the air and rising asthma rates." Further, failure to invest in transit perpetuates traffic congestion and car-dependent lifestyle that most Americans deal with every day. Investing in transit would break the cycle and grant us all cleaner air, more choice, and even a more affordable means to travel.

Your voice is important in these matters. We can all get behind our local politicians, state representatives, and even our congressman to rally for change and improvement. Supporting Mass Transit is worth the fight.

Proximity to Transit Linked to Home Value and other Advantages

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 03:22:00 GMT

What factors do home owners look for when deciding what and where to purchase? As the adage goes, "Location, Location, Location." However, the question is then, location in relation to what? The answer may well be Transit.

Never more apparent that during an economic recession, the real estate market can be a volatile place. However, those properties which are easily accessible to public transportation, regardless of form, weather digs in the market much more gracefully. In fact, recent data indicates that properties within a half mile of a bus stop or train station performed 42 percent better than those properties that were inaccessible. This varies by market, of course, but overwhelmingly true that if you want to make a stable real estate investment, proximity to transit is a strong indicator. As reported by US News, "In Boston, residential property in the rapid transit area outperformed other properties in the region by 129 percent. In the Chicago, public transit area home values performed 30 percent better than the region; in San Francisco, 37 percent; Minneapolis-St Paul, 48 percent; and in Phoenix, 37 percent."

Besides the obvious advantages of more options for travel and lower cost of transportation when mass transit is nearby, home owners who invested in property near public transit are likely to find also a greater breadth of job opportunities within reach. Those who live in communities which are built up and around transit have access to two and in some cases even three times as many jobs.

"Investment in public transportation corridors can be a true economic driver," says Michael Melaniphy, president and CEO of the American Public Transportation Association, as quoted by US News. "It's more than just getting people from point A to point B. Cities that have good public transit have on the whole been much more resilient through the backend of this recession — you can't get people back to work if they can't get there."

Mass Transit Use Up Overall, But not Everywhere

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:52:00 GMT

Despite the recent good news that US ridership of public transportation was nearly record-breaking this year, the fact remains that this just isn't true everywhere. While overall usage of mass transit is improving, there are certainly markets within the United States where public transportation isn't even receiving basic care and maintenance, nonetheless being cultivated as an essential part of our communities.

Interestingly, and rather poignantly, many of the areas wherein mass transit failed to thrive were areas where legislation that would have instituted funding measures failed to pass. No one likes paying more taxes, but keeping our communities' infrastructure maintained and supported is crucial to developing neighborhoods that thrive. Sadly, in the cases of cities like Atlanta, Georgia, and Tacoma, Washington, it seems that a passing vote in favor of increases of a mere penny or a fraction of a percentage increase in sales tax would have made the difference. One can only wonder if perhaps similar votes will go differently in communities wherein transit ridership is lagging the next time around, but it seems an obvious guess that without the willingness to put into supporting and renewing our public transit, the system will continue to deteriorate and eventually will fail. For more, read the full article at The Atlantic Cities.

Transit Ridership in 2012 Second Highest of All Time

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 22:21:00 GMT

For a variety of reasons, from concerns over pollution to enjoying some quiet time during their commute, more people are utilizing Mass Transit, saving money on their travels, and helping ease traffic congestion by doing so.

As reported by CNN, according to a report by the American Public Transportation Association, the numbers are in for 2012. Since data collection began in 1957, 2012 ranks as the year with the second highest ridership on mass transit, coming in just below 2008. With an increase of 1.5% over 2011-- equal to about 154.3 million rides-- 2012's numbers are especially impressive considering the blows that mass transit took because of intense weather conditions including 'Superstorm Sandy', which left much of the East Coast crippled.

What factors are influencing more consumers to utilize mass transit? The advantages are plentiful and becoming more and more obvious to cost-concerned travelers. Although many riders started using buses and trains as a way to avoid the $4+ gas prices, most stuck with the lifestyle change after realizing it also spared them from traffic and the general unpleasantness of rush hour commuting! While on a bus or train, one can read, get some work done, even take a nap. We're also seeing more communities implementing public transit and improving older systems, improving the experience just that much more.

Mass transit seems to be gaining support from voters across the country as well. It has even been theorized that this shift in favor of public transportation may be largely attributed to younger riders, so perhaps we'll continue to see these strides in ridership. Whatever the reason behind this boost, sustaining this increased usage of mass transit can only aid in creating several factors which are beneficial to our communities: a reduction in pollution, eased congestion and less traffic, and an overall healthier demographic of people.

Walking to Public Transit Boosts Exercise!

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:53:00 GMT

Do you have trouble fitting in your recommended amount of daily exercise? What if it was just another part of your routine? This is another great reason to love your commute by transit!

The American Journal of Public Health boasts, "Walking [is] associated With Public Transit... [We're] moving toward increased physical activity in the United States." In order for an individual to get to that bus or train they're trying to catch, they must walk! And, depending on how timely you are, that walk is sometimes rather brisk. Regardless of your pace, however, a study by the US Department of Transportation, utilizing data collected by a telephone survey, found that "Transit walkers in large urban areas with a rail system were 72% more likely to transit walk 30 minutes or more per day than were those without a rail system." With 2012 boasting the highest numbers of transit users ever, except for 2008, we can confidently assess that use of mass transit is not only here to stay, but continuing to flourish with higher ridership, better planning, and likely the best maintenance and comfort level for riders yet. The AJPH continues, "From 2001 to 2009, the estimated number of transit walkers rose from 7.5 million to 9.6 million (a 28% increase); those whose transit-associated walking time was 30 minutes or more increased from approximately 2.6 million to 3.4 million (a 31% increase)."

Mass transit already supports our community development in so many ways; isn't it great to know that it's aiding the physical health of our communities as well? Recognizing this bonus, the AJPH summarizes, "Transit walking contributes to meeting physical activity recommendations, ...potentially influencing transportation planning decisions." It's exciting to think that our community planning efforts in the future may be supported, not only be increased support for mass transit, but by creating a truly walkable area in which our communities can flourish.

"God Created Transit"

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:54:00 GMT

This wonderful video by Next City spoke to us! This lovely commercial really captures the complete value of a system than serves our communities in so many ways. What do you think?