Transportation Problem in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

As a resident of Tuscaloosa, I chose to address the pressing local issue of the lengthy commute residents face living in suburban areas as they head to schools situated downtown. I chose this problem because, as a resident and student, I have had to deal with lengthy commutes since I started school. The schools are located downtown, which also happens to be where businesses are located. There has been increased suburban growth and urban sprawl, which has led to longer distances between the residential area and the schools. Even though we have public transportation, people prefer personal cars, which leads to traffic congestion. This issue has been a problem for a long time, and with a growing population, it will only get worse and thus require attention sooner rather than later.

One way that long commutes are affecting the local community is by creating a strain for parents who need to drop off their children at school and then make their way to work. Having to take a long commute every day is stressful because it is unpredictable when managing time, increasing the possibility of getting late. Such situations can make the start of the day stressful for the parents and children, affecting how they perform at work or school. In addition, a long commute can be tiring for students, reducing their alertness and engagement when they get to school; as a town resident, I can attest to this. This is tied to being late, which affects attendance, punctuality and academic performance.

Secondly, for working adults, particularly those in hourly wage positions, such long commutes can lead to reduced working hours and even rest time. Such adverse effects then lead to low productivity at work, being late, stress, income instability, and the possibility of losing one’s job. Lastly, yet important, families in lower social classes depend on public transportation since most do not have personal vehicles, which requires them to adapt to public transit schedules, sometimes having to take more than one public transport vehicle.

Some of the potential causes of the long commutes include urban extension and suburban growth, whereby as the town grows, people move to the suburbs, which are far from the downtown area where the schools are. Subsequently, being spread out like this increases the reliance on vehicles, leading to more traffic. Secondly, the town’s layout, which places a lot of companies and schools in one location, is another factor contributing to lengthy commutes. Because they are travelling to or from the same location, most individuals will take the same routes, which leads to clustering, particularly in the morning and evening. Lastly, the road infrastructure in the town was only designed to handle a small amount of traffic, but with the rapid population growth, the infrastructure has not been adequate.

One important effort to address urgent transportation issues is the Tuscaloosa Area 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan (Year 2050 Plan). The Plan’s overall goals go beyond merely reducing traffic congestion; they are centered on bringing about a future where effective transit options are at the forefront. By encouraging a smooth fusion of creativity and pragmatism, it seeks to transform road infrastructure. This strategic framework signals a paradigm shift in urban mobility planning by imagining streets that prioritize the safety and comfort of all users.

Work Cited

“Year 2050 Plan.” Tuscaloosa County Road Improvement Commission, 21 May 2024, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ab3d0eb5ffd20954c674922/t/6669a51d042227719399032b/1718199589782/2050Plan-

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Assignment Details
ENG–102–0–11501ENGLISH COMPOSITION II (Fall 2024)

In this last unit, which ends with the final proctored exam ,you will be working on an extensive research project that requires you to address a local problem or opportunity.

This week, you will complete the first step of that process, as described below:
After brainstorming and discussion with others, identify either a local problem that needs to be addressed or a local opportunity that needs to be pursued. This problem (or opportunity) might exist at any of the following (these are just a few possibilities):a local organization, Bevill State Community College, your church, a group you belong to, your family, a relationship you have, your apartment complex (or your neighborhood),your high school, etc. Note: if you choose to write about a political organization, you must choose a local one (school board, city council, etc.); I don‘t want you tackling a state or national political organization in this paper.

Transportation Problem in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Assignment: Write two pages summarizing the problem or opportunity. Follow MLA guidelines.
Here are some questions to consider:

• What is the specific local problem or opportunity you have chosen?
• Why did you choose this problem or opportunity?
• If it‘s a problem, how is it currently affecting the local community you have chosen?
• If it‘s an opportunity, how might it help the local community you have chosen?
• Who is affected by this problem, or who would benefit from the opportunity?
•  What are the potential causes or factors contributing to the problem or the opportunity?
• Are there any existing efforts or initiatives in place to address this problem or to take on this opportunity?