North Carolina may not have a reputation for being fashion-forward when it comes to ditching its cars, but a recent poll proves that the majority of its population is pro-mass transit. Those surveyed (all NC residents) said “aye” to high-speed and regional rail systems, and shunned funneling more money into systems that support car travel. (Hint, hint, Ms. Mary Peters!)
Potential new railway options were embraced positively by those surveyed. Commuter rails in urban areas and high-speed train travel between larger cities were supported or strongly supported at 72 and 70 percent of respondents respectively. Respondents also embraced the possibility of a regional rail system in their area, with 65 percent supporting or strongly supporting this concept.
…While respondents appeared willing to support railway services financially, there was general opposition to transportation funding in the areas of road construction and maintenance.
If North Carolina is crying for better transit, the rest of the nation is likely eager for it, too. With gas hovering around $4 per gallon, I predict that more drivers will be jumping on the transit train before long. It may take longer, however, before the U.S. government finally goes along for the ride.
Photo via flickr by jimmywayne22 & PhotoA.nl.
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Raised crosswalk in Santa Fe, NM.