Is Public Transportation Viable in Elizabethton?

Last week I talked about a new alternative form of transportation -- golf carts. Continuing on the transportation theme, I want to pose another idea -- is public transportation a viable option in Elizabethton?

We are at a unique crossroad for our community. The addition of the Tweetsie Trail has made alternative forms of transportation, such as pedestrian and bicycle, a reality. Before the Tweetsie Trail, no one would have ever thought to ride a bike on West G Street, West Elk Avenue, Milligan Highway, or even the US 321 four-lane to Johnson City. Now any citizen or visitor can easily get from ETSU to Downtown Elizabethton on a bike safely.

But this new feature has brought about other questions in our community about transportation. If public transportation in the form of a bus route came to Elizabethton would it be used enough to make it a viable solution for transportation.

We talked before about the future of Elizabethton as it relates to age and the future of the Tri-Cities region points to a growing Baby Boomer presence. As we look to accommodate for this population, we must also look to how they will move about a community and get the services they may need.

As they age, some may not desire driving a fast car which is where a golf cart or a bike may be an alternative form of transportation. Continue that trend and you end up with a portion of the population who may be unable to drive which is where public transportation enters as an alternative form of transportation.

More likely than not, as we age we tend to need more access to alternative modes of transportation in order to get to appointments and complete general household tasks. Public transportation provides this type of mobility so that an aging population can easily get to a doctor’s appointment, physical therapy appointment, or just go to the grocery store within their own ability.

And keep in mind, public transit is also highly beneficial for poorer citizens as well who may well work, but simply cannot afford a car. Public transit provides a highly affordable way to go about completing one’s daily tasks.

Public transit helps keep an older and poorer population mobile and self-reliant, which can also be good for their mental health. I would be extremely curious to know how many people would be interested in utilizing such a service should it be available in Elizabethton. The big question remains, if it were available would we use it? Let’s talk about it!