Don’t count on Sen. Charles Schumer for help as gasoline prices go up and up.
Our own self described “man of the people” and “friend of the middle class” was recently spotted being driven (probably by a taxpayer-funded staffer) around midtown, Manhattan rolling down his car window, saying hello to Republican Party strategist Karl Rove. (Source: New York Post — Chuck, Karl in street spat” (Page Six Emily Smith — April 18).
With gasoline over $4 per gallon and rising, wouldn’t Schumer be better off traveling around town using public transportation riding the bus or subway like millions of his constituents do on a daily basis?
Schumer lives in trendy upscale Park Slope, Brooklyn and has an office in midtown Manhattan – both easily accessible by numerous subway and bus lines. I wonder if Schumer has ever purchased a Metro Card or even knows how it use it?
Even if Schumer doesn’t, the next time you get upset when filling your gasoline tank, consider the public transportation alternative. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Long Island Rail Road, Long Island Bus, New York City Transit, New York City Department of Transportation along with various private operators provide such services.
Try riding a local or express bus, commuter van, ferry, commuter rail or subway. In most cases, these transportation systems are funded with your tax dollars. All of these systems use less fuel and move far more people than conventional single occupancy vehicles. In many cases, your employer can offer transit checks which help subsidizes a portion of the costs. Utilize your investments and reap the benefits. You’ll be supporting a cleaner environment and be less stressed upon arrival at your final destination.
Many employers now allow employees to telecommute and work from home. Others use alternative work schedules which afford staff the ability to avoid rush hour gridlock. This saves travel time and can improve mileage per gallon. You could join a car or van pool to share the costs of commuting.
The ability to travel from home to workplace, school, shopping, entertainment, medical, library, etc., is a factor for staying in your community and not moving on to a new neighborhood. Economically successful communities are not 100 percent dependent on automobiles as the sole means of mobility. Seniors, students, low and middle income people need these transportation alternatives. Let others do the driving and there will be more time to enjoy reading great publications like this one.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
