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About The Southwest Portland Post. (Portland, Oregon) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 2018)
8 • The Southwest Portland Post Dear EarthTalk: I always assumed the train was the greenest form of mass transit, but a friend told me I would be better off taking the bus. Could this be true? – Jane McNeil, New York, NY Most of us assume that train trav- el—whether for getting around town, commuting to work or for long hauls—is the most eco-friendly mass transit “mode.” Indeed, trains seem greener, with some relying exclusively on electricity while others utilize a single diesel-powered locomotive to pull dozens of passenger cars. But even though trains are no slouch when it comes to fuel efficiency, buses, even though they spew diesel exhaust and get only about six miles per gal- lon, may be even better. “The reason is that they are usu- ally full of people, giving [buses] the highest miles per gallon per passen- ger, at 208,” reported CNN’s Steve Hargreaves. Based on his research digging into Department of Energy data, Harg- reaves added that trains are the next best choice for the eco-conscious trav- eler, whether commuting or doing a longer haul. “A city train (think subway or light rail) gets 52 miles per gallon, per pas- senger (or the equivalent, if it’s elec- tric), while a commuter train—usually used to connect the suburbs to a city— FEATURES gets about 44 mpg per passenger.” A landmark 2013 study in Environ- mental Science and Technology by re- searchers at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis and the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research backed up these findings. The researchers found that bus travel noses out rail travel in fuel ef- ficiency and carbon impact on typical business or holiday trips ranging from 500-1000 kilometers (300-600 miles), generating only about 20 percent of the per passenger emissions as driving alone in a typical gas-powered car. “Motor coaches leave carbon in the dust,” according to the non-profit Union of Concerned Scientists, add- ing that a couple can cut their travel carbon emissions in half by boarding a motor coach instead of taking their Prius. “And if they take the motor coach rather than flying, they will cut their emissions by 55 to 75 percent, depend- ing on the distance they travel.” And given that many bus compa- nies have ditched their old buses in favor or new models replete with not only more efficient engines but also re- clining seats, on-board entertainment and WI-FI, the bus could become your new favorite way to travel. Though buses are the current green leader, trains are catching up fast. All of Amtrak’s trains in its busiest northeast corridor now eschew the old diesel generators that used to power their locomotives, and run instead on an increasingly renewable supply of electricity. Some $10 billion in investment in high-speed rail by the Obama admin- istration means trains are getting more efficient across the country as well. While President Donald Trump promised he would pour hundreds February 2018 of millions of dollars into fur- ther boosting high-speed rail infrastructure, his 2018 bud- get does more to decimate Obama’s prog- ress on the issue than augment it. W h e t h e r Trump will fol- low through with a plan to further bolster While train travel may be better for the environment than flying U.S. rail travel re- or driving your own car, hopping on a bus may still be the best mains to be seen. choice from an environmental perspective. (Photo by Don McCullough, FlickrCC) In the meantime, while trains remain a viable green Scheer & Doug Moss and is a registered choice, choosing Greyhound over trademark of the nonprofit Earth Action Amtrak might be the better option for Network. To donate, visit www.earth- the time being. talk.org. Send questions to: question@ EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy earthtalk.org. POST A-Z BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY 503-244-6933 Hans J Manseth – Certified Financial Planner™ 503.227.4817 / hans@hjamfinancial.com Securities and investment advisory services are offered solely by Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. HJAM Financial Services, LLC and all other entities and individuals are independent of Equity Services, Inc. Hans J Manseth, CFP® is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of Equity Services, Inc. One National Life Drive, Montpelier, VT 05604 (800)344-7437 TC93339(0117)3 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD HANDYMAN Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 20 years in Multnomah Village! “Call Kenny!” Kenneth S. Morse CCB License #195820 503-939-5452 morseks@aol.com Excellent SW Portland references 503-246-2564 www.mvdentalcare.com 7717SW34thAvenue•Portland,OR97219 (MultnomahVillage•SWCapitolHighway&34thAve.) The IDEA Today … The SIGN Tomorrow! •SIGNS •BANNERS •GRAPHICS •MAGNETICS •LETTERING •LOGOS&MORE 503.244.0980 9220 SW Barbur Blvd. #111 - Portland - OR - 97219
