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Want to reduce traffic congestion and the associated lost productivity time? Cut back on energy consumption? Improve the quality of life? Try making a national commitment to improving all modes of transportation, suggests the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in response to conclusions of a recently conducted report.

Released yesterday by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), The 2007 Urban Mobility Report clearly demonstrates that “public transportation stands out as a proven strategy that helps alleviate traffic congestion and saves energy,” according to an APTA press release.

In the 437 urban areas studied in 2005, public transportation saved 541 million hours in travel time and reduced fuel usage by 340 million gallons, APTA says, citing the report. Without public transportation, congestion costs would have been $10.2 billion more in that year. And in the largest urban areas, where transit is most available and used, the savings are the greatest, demonstrating the value of public transportation investment, the report concludes.

“Unfortunately, public transportation is not readily available in all regions of the country,” said APTA President William Millar. “Only 53 percent of Americans say that they have access to any public transportation.”

In short: A national commitment to improve all modes of transportation is needed, Millar said.