Letter: Public transportation benefits everyone

Public transportation is vital to America's transportation network. Public transit benefits everyone, even people who don't ride.

Affordable, reliable, accessible public transportation: Boosts local, county, state and national economic growth; connects people to jobs, education, and other community services; creates opportunities for people who might not otherwise have them; reduces air pollution; and eases traffic congestion.

Expanding our public transit infrastructure will improve our quality of life and position America's communities for positive growth for decades to come. People who ride will have more options for reaching work, school, medical care, shopping, activities, and other services and everyone will reap the benefits of increased local economic activity, reduced pollution and improved travel options.

Harry Olmstead

Iowa City