Environment Iowa released a report Wednesday stating that the number of Iowa citizens using public transit rose by 5 percent between 2007 and 2008. Eric Nost of Environment Iowa explains that the gasoline saved by this increase was equivalent to that used by 15,300 vehicles.

The report also states that this switch to public transit reduced global warming pollution by 80,000 tons. The Environmental Law and Policy Center’s own Andrew Snow explains that the increase in ridership is just another reason that funding should go towards public transportation, rather than new highways.

“In a time when there are serious constraints on our state budget, investing in public transit and rail systems is a very cost effective investment that helps create economic development opportunities and increases the quality of living for all Iowans,” Snow said.

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