Public health, right on schedule

We placed our public health sticker on one of the enclosed bus stops near the university transit center bus terminal for Hartline buses. We chose this location because it is close to campus and offers an excellent example of public health. Every person that rides a bus equals one less car on the road. Fewer cars on the road not only means a shorter commute for drivers, but also less carbon emissions from exhaust. This issue is important because less people on the roads not only makes them safer but the cleaner air also leads to decreases in health issues such as asthma. Buses also provide transportation to people who cannot or are unable to drive due to accidents. This allows people to get to work and earn money that they can put towards their own health and well being. Buses are also a means of transportation to hospitals that many people take advantage of. All of the Hartline buses are wheelchair and bike accessible. Many allow pets on boards so long as certain standards are met, increasing the number of people who can ride the bus. Hartline has also teamed up with the Emergency Ride Home program so that commuters can get a free taxi ride home in case of an emergency.

We chose Hartline buses because they work with USF to provide free service to students with a valid USF student ID. Teachers also get discounted fare with valid ID’s. Many of Hartline’s shaded terminals are running on solar energy. Hartline has also started buying Hybrid buses and their entire fleet meets EPA standards. Their extended hours also help to provide better service to its riders.

For more information on all the things Hartline is doing visit their website at http://www.hartline.org/

Frances Diaz

Deanna Wood

Dustin Nichols