No Escape From Diesel Exhaust

By Clean Air Task Force
Every day, Americans are needlessly sickened from exposure to air pollution in the form of fine particles. Overall, health researchers estimate that fine particles, such as those found in diesel exhaust, shorten the lives of 70,000 Americans each year. Legions of published, peer-reviewed studies have documented the increased exposure and resultant health risk from particles in and around nearby roadways. When during our day are we exposed to these particles? According to the California Air Resources Board, although we spend only about six percent of our day commuting to and from work, it is during that time when we receive over half of our exposure. Using comparable instruments and research techniques as those employed by health researchers at major universities, Clean Air Task Force (CATF) investigated the exposure to diesel particles during typical commutes in four cities: Austin, Texas, Boston, Massachusetts, New York City, and Columbus, Ohio. In addition, CATF tested the air quality benefits due to emission control retrofits of transit buses in Boston and transit buses and garbage trucks in New York City. CATF's investigation demonstrated that whether you commute by car, bus, ferry, train, or on foot, you may be exposed to high levels of diesel particles.

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CATF Special Report 2007-1: A Multi-City Investigation of Exposure to Diesel Exhaust in Multiple Commuting Modes

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Ft Worth T fares to increase in Oct.

Fort Worth T - July 19, 2007
FORT WORTH -- The board of directors of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) approved a change in fares at its board meeting on July 19. The new fares are expected to generate additional revenue of $400,000 to help offset rising operating costs and allow further expansion of T bus services to meet the growing population needs.

The first fare increase in four years, the new fares will take effect October 1.

The new fares include an increase of 25 cents per one-way trip for local, premium and Mobility Impaired Services.

Monthly passes will increase by $10. A new weekly pass will be offered at $15 for seven days of unlimited rides. It is designed especially to accommodate customers who ride frequently, but cannot afford a larger once-a-month cash outlay for a monthly pass.

Reduced fares for seniors, disabled and students will be set at one-half of the base fare, in keeping with federal requirements.

Prior to implementing the new fares, The T held four public hearings on May 29 and a special hearing for MITS customers on June 13 to gather customer comments regarding the proposed increases. Comments from public meetings, The T's hotline, website and comment cards were presented to the board as input into its decision.

Two meetings also were held for customers who use E-Passes purchased through their employers. Changes in the employer pass are scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2008.

"We understand that people would prefer that prices remain the same, but I believe most citizens understand the need for The T to keep up with rising operating costs," said Bob Jameson, chairman of The T board.

The T's fares currently cover only 12 cents of every dollar of costs for fixed route service, including bus and the TRE, and MITS fares now cover about 7 cents for every dollar spent on service.