One way to reduce our carbon footprint

It has been forecast that temperatures will rise three degrees Celsius over the next two decades. Very alarming.

Cities should offer free transit to all. This would prove to be a huge impact on carbon emissions from vehicles. Problem is, bus patronage is quite confrontational at most times. This was my experience as both a patron and transit bus driver. Safety for both is not as good as it should be. Free fare reduces confrontation between driver and patrons.

A marshal peace officer on every bus, fully enclosed driver cab. Improving safety for driver and passengers would decrease emissions and create more sparse traffic conditions.

The buses are built these days for multi-accommodation for people needing space, lifts, mobility device anchoring. Real-time GPS location and schedules are commonplace now.

Couple those accommodations, proposed safety measures and free rides would definitely increase patron passenger use, save you using gas, vehicle wear and tear, and reduce congestion and massive amount of combined personal city commute accidents. You could even work or enjoy a book while you ride.

Every city having bus service should do this, even if it’s done just two to three days per week. Canadians each have the power to do their part. This is the simplest and quickest needed solution to drastically curb climate emissions.

They even have hydrogen buses. No fossil fuel footprint.

The safety issues on public transit buses can easily be corrected and therefore an immediate, large and positive impact could be made on detrimental fossil fuel use.

Manitoba could be the Canadian leader in mandating very swift, positive and impactful initiatives on harmful global warming. These initiatives would immediately impact Manitoba’s carbon footprint.

WENDY FRIESEN

Brandon